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Canine Crew Mystery #1
A Bone to Pick
When Evie, Margo, and Grace—three best friends in their 50s—find their nests empty and time on their hands, they start up the Canine Crew, a neighborhood dog-walking service. But none of them ever expected to have to solve a doggone murder….
It's walkies into the dark side for Evie and her pals as their peaceful pet parade turns perilous with the murder of a charming mailman. A lost dog collar might be the key to unleashing the truth—but can these spirited sidekicks fetch justice before suspicion buries them alive?
Take a paws-first dive into the beguiling world of the Canine Crew, where escapades are laced with wag-worthy wit and delightful idiosyncrasies. Em-bark on a journey that fetches a perfect mix of chuckles, warm fuzzy feelings, and tail-wagging surprises. Get ready to befriend a trio of fetching heroines who are bound to collar your affection and have you howling for more until the break of dawn.
It's walkies into the dark side for Evie and her pals as their peaceful pet parade turns perilous with the murder of a charming mailman. A lost dog collar might be the key to unleashing the truth—but can these spirited sidekicks fetch justice before suspicion buries them alive?
Take a paws-first dive into the beguiling world of the Canine Crew, where escapades are laced with wag-worthy wit and delightful idiosyncrasies. Em-bark on a journey that fetches a perfect mix of chuckles, warm fuzzy feelings, and tail-wagging surprises. Get ready to befriend a trio of fetching heroines who are bound to collar your affection and have you howling for more until the break of dawn.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2025
455 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Grace
477 books714 followersDebut author Fiona Grace is author of the LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY series which includes MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book #1), DEATH AND A DOG (Book #2) and CRIME IN THE CAFE (Book #3). Fiona would love to hear from you, so please visit www.fionagraceauthor.com to receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 5, 2025
When a mailman is murdered on his delivery route, it's up to three dog-walkers, Evie, Margo, and Grace, to find the killer of a well-loved postal worker.
A Bone to Pick wasn't a terrible read, but it felt manufactured and bland. The three ladies, though they had different life experiences, all had a similar voice. I questioned the thought of a teacher retiring in her 50s, as the educators whom I've known have maintained their careers much longer. Additionally, the ending was contrived.
Despite my reservations, the book is worth reading if there's a need for a gap-filler or palate cleanser. The reader would, however, need to be the type who loves a formulaic cosy.
A Bone to Pick wasn't a terrible read, but it felt manufactured and bland. The three ladies, though they had different life experiences, all had a similar voice. I questioned the thought of a teacher retiring in her 50s, as the educators whom I've known have maintained their careers much longer. Additionally, the ending was contrived.
Despite my reservations, the book is worth reading if there's a need for a gap-filler or palate cleanser. The reader would, however, need to be the type who loves a formulaic cosy.
April 13, 2025
I liked the dogs.
The rest of the story was so far-fetched that I can't recommend it even though it was free.
My biggest bone to pick (though I have several) is where the author seems to have an over inflated sense of the desirability of the female character. Of all the singles males in the entire town, they all happen to like the same woman?! Really? Is she the only single person? Is she drop dead gorgeous? Is there something wrong with all the other women? We don't know. There's no character development or explaining. Only that every guy wants her. I don't think so. It became very annoying.
Parts of the murder mystery would have been interesting, but it was dealt with on the level of the Scooby Doo Detective Agency level. When dealing with murder, having 3 lady dog walkers knocking on suspects doors & questioning them & then catching the killer... Really?
Not recommended 👎
📚📚
The rest of the story was so far-fetched that I can't recommend it even though it was free.
My biggest bone to pick (though I have several) is where the author seems to have an over inflated sense of the desirability of the female character. Of all the singles males in the entire town, they all happen to like the same woman?! Really? Is she the only single person? Is she drop dead gorgeous? Is there something wrong with all the other women? We don't know. There's no character development or explaining. Only that every guy wants her. I don't think so. It became very annoying.
Parts of the murder mystery would have been interesting, but it was dealt with on the level of the Scooby Doo Detective Agency level. When dealing with murder, having 3 lady dog walkers knocking on suspects doors & questioning them & then catching the killer... Really?
Not recommended 👎
📚📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
exception
I normally love Fiona Grace books. This one, however, is different. Three middle-aged women are involved in a dog walking business. When they find a body, they decide that the detective in charge is incapable and will solve the crime themselves Most of the characters in the book are older women who seem to think like preadolescent girls, wondering if a guy likes her, thinking cheerful chatter is a come on, etc. Perhaps Mulberry Cove has a condition that causes women to be ridiculous. Even the motive for the murder was (I thought) absurd. Additionally, the likelihood of most Oleander varieties thriving in New England is minimal. Overall, if you’re just looking for something to pass the time, this book will the serve the purpose.
I normally love Fiona Grace books. This one, however, is different. Three middle-aged women are involved in a dog walking business. When they find a body, they decide that the detective in charge is incapable and will solve the crime themselves Most of the characters in the book are older women who seem to think like preadolescent girls, wondering if a guy likes her, thinking cheerful chatter is a come on, etc. Perhaps Mulberry Cove has a condition that causes women to be ridiculous. Even the motive for the murder was (I thought) absurd. Additionally, the likelihood of most Oleander varieties thriving in New England is minimal. Overall, if you’re just looking for something to pass the time, this book will the serve the purpose.
October 14, 2025
Written in a rush
Easy read but the obvious errors are annoying. I expected more from this author. Poisoned by Oleander? It is known to be too bitter to be palatable. Other minor inconsistencies. Margo puts her shoe in the doorway but several sentences later Evie removes her shoe. The found dog collar has no tags or identification, but the tags shine on it some time later. The suspect is told to "come downtown for questioning" or she will be "hauled in". The next day she sees the officer and he says nothing about the questioning. And the call from the veterinarian to falsely report a missing dog is never readdressed. So many holes!
Easy read but the obvious errors are annoying. I expected more from this author. Poisoned by Oleander? It is known to be too bitter to be palatable. Other minor inconsistencies. Margo puts her shoe in the doorway but several sentences later Evie removes her shoe. The found dog collar has no tags or identification, but the tags shine on it some time later. The suspect is told to "come downtown for questioning" or she will be "hauled in". The next day she sees the officer and he says nothing about the questioning. And the call from the veterinarian to falsely report a missing dog is never readdressed. So many holes!
November 30, 2025
A Bone to Pick (A Canine Crew Mystery Book 1)
A very surprising enjoyable book. The various characters you would expect in a small town setting. But, these characters were each uniquely different. The story was well planned out that is what you would expect from Fiona Grace an author who not only writes a great story. But, tells it as a mystery that draws you into the story and allows you to builds personal relationships with each character. Please enjoy solving the very cozy mystery. You can do it!
A very surprising enjoyable book. The various characters you would expect in a small town setting. But, these characters were each uniquely different. The story was well planned out that is what you would expect from Fiona Grace an author who not only writes a great story. But, tells it as a mystery that draws you into the story and allows you to builds personal relationships with each character. Please enjoy solving the very cozy mystery. You can do it!
July 10, 2025
What Fun
Retired, divorced, widowed, empty nesters, and bored to tears, three friends start a dog walking company. There foray’s across town, while walking there four footed furry chargers allows them to chat, snoop and generally detect all sorts of information. When a beloved mailman is found dead they put their talents to work. This is a fun, well crafted, well written, fast read. Perfect for a summer day.
Retired, divorced, widowed, empty nesters, and bored to tears, three friends start a dog walking company. There foray’s across town, while walking there four footed furry chargers allows them to chat, snoop and generally detect all sorts of information. When a beloved mailman is found dead they put their talents to work. This is a fun, well crafted, well written, fast read. Perfect for a summer day.
October 6, 2025
My favourite line is when nerdy techy neighbour Henry invites Grace over to his place for lasagna and discussion of their case and she wonders if it would be too soon, as she as only known him for a month! On the other hand, on Hallmark shows the couple will meet and a week later will declare their love and make plans to quit job and move across the country to be with each other.
October 15, 2025
Okay
I have read other books by Fiona Grace and enjoyed them, but this one didn't hit my spot. I like dogs and the idea of 3 mature women drew me to it. However the characters just didn't gel for me.
I have read other books by Fiona Grace and enjoyed them, but this one didn't hit my spot. I like dogs and the idea of 3 mature women drew me to it. However the characters just didn't gel for me.
November 20, 2025
Disappointed
I really wanted to like this book, after all dogs were involved. Instead I found a lot of character mix ups and such an implausible story. It was a disappointment all the way around.
I really wanted to like this book, after all dogs were involved. Instead I found a lot of character mix ups and such an implausible story. It was a disappointment all the way around.
December 18, 2025
I didn’t like the writing style of this author. I kept debating if I should even finish this book. I kept hoping it would get better but it didn’t. I don’t plan on read another in this series. I might check out other series by this author to see if this was just a fluke.
October 8, 2025
Weak plot.
October 9, 2025
pretty ordinary
October 16, 2025
I tried to finish it but I was just reading and not enjoying it. Page 99 was enough.
October 26, 2025
The leads were 3 women in their 50s... but they seemed a lot older than that. Yes, the mystery was reasonable but change the characters need lots of work.
November 6, 2025
AI narrators are the worst.
The story line was good.
I feel like, even for a cozy mystery this was too easy.
I was a little disappointed that the dogs were not more involved.
The story line was good.
I feel like, even for a cozy mystery this was too easy.
I was a little disappointed that the dogs were not more involved.
September 2, 2025
Narrator: Scarlett (synthesized voice)
Released Date: April 8, 2025
Publisher: Fiona Grace
I love this new series about Evie, Margo and Grace who are best friends in their 50s starting a dog walking business after their children left to start their own lives. This is very believable with a tragic murder involving someone that uses the new business. Looking forward to the next story.
Released Date: April 8, 2025
Publisher: Fiona Grace
I love this new series about Evie, Margo and Grace who are best friends in their 50s starting a dog walking business after their children left to start their own lives. This is very believable with a tragic murder involving someone that uses the new business. Looking forward to the next story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews