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Done In at the Dog Spa

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Dahlia Vale is adapting. It's been hard, but running the Saltcliff B&B and looking after her niece Danny is starting to feel like "regular life." If only people would quit getting murdered!

This time, a socialite is discovered at the local pet pampering shop just as the annual Saltcliff Dog Show is rolling into town.

Danny has convinced Dahlia to let her enter Taco Dog, but Dahlia has her hands full helping Detective Sanderson unravel the latest mystery. Not only is local socialite Camille Hawthorne's body discovered, but her prize pooch Beau has gone missing! He was the favorite to win the show, and there are plenty pup parents who were ready to see his reign come to an end.

Dahlia must discover who killed Camille and help find Beau -- surely no one would hurt her handsome hound!

Done In at the Dog Spa is the fourth cozy mystery in the Saltcliff Mystery series, featuring a neurospicy sleuth and her faithful allergen-sniffing service dog, her adorable tweenaged niece, and all the other small town characters readers have come to love.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

18 people are currently reading
10 people want to read

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Nancy Stewart

6 books40 followers

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,304 reviews79 followers
April 16, 2025
I have really enjoyed picking up cozy mysteries and Done in at the Dog Spa is a nice addition to the Saltcliff series.

Dahlia has been in town and taking care of her niece for awhile now. A surprising number of people have died in their small town and she keeps finding herself solving crime as an amateur sleuth. The story moves at a good pace with an interesting mystery arc that plays out nicely over the course of the story. I liked, too, how we get to see Dahlia continue to grow and find her place in town.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,986 reviews25 followers
April 8, 2025
Dogs, murder and a big life

I loved this latest addition to this cozy mystery series - Dolly and Owen (and Taco) are some of my favorite characters. I just love their interactions and the building and deepening of their relationships. Like the other books in this series, the story hooked me in and took me along for a fun mystery sleuthing adventure as seen through the eyes of an awkward and endearing neurospicy heroine with a super cute dog. Despite being about murder, this series really has a warm cozy and happy feel. Dahlia (Dolly) is a shy introvert who struggles in social interactions. She is a likable, witty, and captivating character who is a real, relatable person who has flaws, but is really trying to just do her best as a messy human. When one of the main contestants in the annual Saltcliff Dog Show is found murdered in a local dog spa and her prize winning show dog is found missing, Dolly is once again helping Owen in the investigation though in a more official capacity this time. On the home front, Danny, her 12 year old niece, wants to enter Taco Dog in the dog show. To solve the murder and find the missing Beau the Borzoi will take all of Owen and Dolly’s powers of observation and deduction. This well written story has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from a good cozy mystery - sweet moments, friendships, laughs, real life issues, imperfect characters, painful pasts, small town quirky people, gossip, a competent sweet detective, mysteries, unexpected plot twists, and secrets. This is a standalone and you will not be lost if you start with this book in the series. However, I am loving reading about the changes Dolly experiences in her life and in her view of her place in the world as the series has progressed. I am happy to know there will be more mysteries for Dolly and Owen to solve. I love them. 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Connor.
1,466 reviews40 followers
April 29, 2025
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book, part of The Saltcliff Mystery Series. Each book is a standalone that takes place in the small resort town of Saltcliff. Dahlia runs the inn that was owned by her sister before she died and left to her teenage daughter, Diantha. Dahlia seems to be neurodivergent and has never made friends easily, but she finds she fits in easily with her sister’s friends and her daughter because they accept her as she is, with all of her idiosyncrasies. Meanwhile, Dahlia has been dating Owen, the local police officer, and after helping out with so many murder cases, he gets permission to ask her to work for the police department as a consultant. His relationship with her is very sweet since he seems to understand her limitations and is taking things slowly with her.

While a dog show is in town, a dog disappears, and the owner is found dead. Dahlia and Owen interview various people who might have seen the woman or had a reason to want her dead. It turns out, a lot of people wanted her dead. Of course, they eventually solve the crime.

For me, the stories in the series, though cozy mysteries, are more like sweet romances. I love reading about Dahlia and her emotional growth with a group of people who care for her and try to make things as comfortable as possible. That’s why I keep coming back to these books. I find Dahlia is a unique character who is very relatable and endearing. I find Owen sweet and Dahlia charming. Reading about them is fun.
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,065 reviews41 followers
April 8, 2025
It is impossible not to love this series - it is so engaging and addictive!

This is continuation of the cozy mystery series, and I happily settled in, expecting another addictive read, and that’s exactly what I got!

Having taken over her sister’s Saltcliff B&B, Dahlia and Taco Dog are now thriving as its owners and operators. Despite its quiet, small-town appearance, SaltCliff has experienced an unusual number of mysteries and murders.
In this installment, Dahlia’s niece Dianthus takes on the important task of training Dahlia’s Taco Dog for the upcoming dog show, teaching him various impressive new tricks. The arrival of newcomers and their dogs to the town has unfortunately led to widespread chaos and a murder. The way these characters connect and their banter always brings a smile to my face.

As Detective Owen Sanderson investigates, the sweet romance between him and Dahlia unfolds and deepens, and her unique perspective to details is now officially part of the investigation. This delightful addition to the series features another clever mystery, set in the cozy atmosphere of a small town.

I can’t wait for more SaltCliff stories in the future! I was fortunate to receive a free ARC (thank you) and happily leave my review. I recommend reading this series in order for the best experience.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,695 reviews
April 15, 2025
Done in at the Dog Spa by Nancy Stewart, book four in the Saltcliff Mysteries, is an enjoyable cozy mystery as Dahlia, Taco Dog, Diantha (Danny), Amal and Owen are back for yet another murder in the lovely seaside town of Saltcliff by the Sea; a quiet town which has been experiencing an unusual number of mysteries and murders.

A dog show is coming to Saltcliff and Dahlia’s niece Dianthus decides to train Taco Dog by teaching him some new and impressive tricks for it. The town, and the B&B, is filling up with newcomers and their dogs. Unfortunately, a dead body is found in the Dog Spa. Detective Owen Sanderson investigates, and this time, after all the help Dahlia has provided with previous cases, the police chief asks her to help as an official consultant. With Dahlia’s unique perspective to details and working alongside Owen, their sweet romance simmers. Dahlia even she accepts Owen’s invitation to the policeman's ball in San Francisco; requiring an overnight stay.

This enjoyable cozy story has a little bit of everything, just as you would expect from a good cozy mystery: sweet moments, friendships, laughs, real life issues, imperfect characters, painful pasts, small town quirky people, gossip, competent handsome police, mysteries and secrets. Add in a town full of dogs and their owners, dog judges, and those believing they are experts and you’ve got a story that will keep you engaged; wanting to figure out the mystery. I can't wait to see what's next for Dahlia.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
2,202 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2025
This is another lovely cozy mystery set in Saltcliff on the Sea (a fictional coastal California village). Dahlia operates the Saltcliff B & B and gets herself entangled in various mysteries, resulting in a very entertaining story. Ms. Stewart does a great job setting the stage so that I have no trouble picturing it all. Any story involving a pet is always a plus for me, and Dahlia's Taco Dog takes on a major role as Dahlia's niece Dianthus teaches him lots of new and interesting tricks for the upcoming dog show. Lots of new people and their dogs come to town, and mayhem definitely ensues, along with murder. Detective Sanderson investigates, and Dahlia becomes an official part of the proceedings, all while their romance continues to simmer. This is another fun installment in this charming series, with a clever mystery plot in a comforting small town setting. I certainly hope there will be more stories in the future!

I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.
Profile Image for Schellie.
877 reviews
April 16, 2025
What a wonderful & entertaining story that brings back all of our favorite characters for yet another mystery in the seaside town of Saltcliff by the Sea! Dahlia is back at the B&B solving the mystery of the missing dog & dead owner, with none other than Detective Sanderson, her niece Danny & of course Taco Dog!
When socialite Camille is found floating in a tub at the dog spa, the entire town is up in arms. Will the dog show go on now that Beau, the dog favored to win is missing? Can Danny & Taco Dog help solve this case with his amazing nose & win the amateur portion of the dog show? Will they ever figure out what happened to Camille when she had made so many enemies in the show community?
I absolutely love the budding relationship between Dahlia & Owen, the way he takes her just as she is & moves things along at her pace. Amal has really become a huge part of their lives as well & she has been a good friend to Dahlia.
What a great story, I sure hope there will be more! Enjoy!
1,873 reviews33 followers
April 13, 2025
This series is SO GOOD! I literally have read each of these books in one sitting. I am so invested in the characters and the plot that time has no meaning.

I absolutely love seeing the progression of Dahlia. She is adorably socially awkward and is starting to feel more comfortable expressing her feelings. She even spontaneously hugged her niece Danny! But feelings aren't the main part of the story - the compelling mystery is.

This time, a doggie show competition becomes more than a friendly event and one of the top showers is found taking an unwelcome swim. She was not well liked, so there are many suspects to investigate.

Meanwhile, Taco Dog is getting ready to be in his first show and Amal has a big decision to make...

Oh, and did I mention the DATE that Owen and Dahlia go on?
Profile Image for Cecilia Dawn.
168 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2025
With every book I read, I like Dahlia and Taco Dog more. Her life in the little town of Saltcliff is one of growth and connection, despite her habit of finding dead bodies.

In this 4th book, the town is overrun by dogs and their owners, arrived for the annual dog show. Taco Dog joins the excitement as he trains with Dahlia's niece and the inn is full of guests, of both the human and canine varieties. Dahlia quickly learns that the dog show circuit can be as dramatic as high school. A discovery that takes a sharp turn when the favorite to win goes missing and his owner is murdered.

As she navigates parenting her niece, becoming a consultant to the police force, running the inn, and new friendships, she finds that she's landed exactly where she's supposed to be. For fans of cozy mysteries, this is a 5 star read.
260 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2025
I was honoured to receive an advance copy of this story and this is my honest review.

Due to a dog show taking place in the village. The place is busy with all the competitors and their four legged fur babies.

With so many people taking part most of the competitors work the same circuit so every one knows all the other people taking part..... & their secrets!!!

All the main characters that we love are back in this great story

Dahlia finally get an official title of being a Police Consultant. But this time it's Danny & Taco that steals the show..... Literally!!!

With all the secrets floating around will all the dogs be able to wag their tails and bat forward the true culprit? 🐾🐾
Profile Image for Caroline.
321 reviews11 followers
April 24, 2025
This series! 💖

So many dogs in this book, I just wanted to be there. 🐕🐩🐕‍🦺🦮

Done In At the Dog Spa is delightfully engaging and rather intriguing. Detective Owen Sanderson and Innkeeper Dahlia Vale’s romance progresses and grows as the two pair up (this time Dahlia is in a professional role) to solve a murder in the midst of dog show chaos.

Saltcliff B&B is full of guests and their four-legged companions, prompting Dahlia’s niece, Diantha, to enter Taco Dog into the locals category of the show.

This sparkling series continues with entertaining characters in a colorful small town that just casually happens to have some murders. 😇

“I didn’t know why bodies kept turning up, but I did know that this latest one might impact both the dog show and the Policeman’s Ball.
Not to be selfish about it, of course.”

Single POV
35 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2025
It's been a minute since the last book in this series, but it's so well written I immediately remembered all about the characters and couldn't wait to dive into this one! Our socially awkward main character takes her medical support dog for a walk only to hear screams and finds another dead body. The perfect for her detective asks her to finally be a consultant for the police department making it so much easier to work the case. Interviews and clues from the help of her niece all come together in time to have a fun overnight date at the policeman's ball.
52 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2025
Competitive dog showing is serious stuff
Come join the shenanigans in the run-up to the Annual Saltcliff Dog Show. Nothing screams competition like the murder of the owner and dog-napping of one of the competitors. Dahlia, now a police official consultant, is spread thin between running the B&B and assisting in solving yet another murder, while Taco and Danny are prepping for their debut into the world of Dog Shows.
Ms Stewart draws us back to Saltcliff by the Sea with another delightful whodunnit.
I received an advanced copy from the author
Profile Image for Linda Dunn.
1,287 reviews29 followers
April 27, 2025
Who let the dogs out??

I am loving getting to know these characters with each new book. Dahlia is once again tangled up in another murder mystery. This time it involves a dog competition in the town. Camille who thinks she is the Queen of the dog show is found murdered in the dog spa.

Dahlia's niece Danny has entered Taco Dog in the competition, who ends up being a major asset in solving this crime. Dahlia and Det. Owen Sanderson once again team up to solve yet another Saltcliff mystery. What is up with this town and murders? I look forward to more whodunit page turners.

203 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2025
This Happy For Now fourth installment of the adventures of Dahlia and Owen have Dahlia helping solve yet another murder in the small town of Saltcliff. She makes some progress in her romantic relationship with Detective Owen Sanderson when she accepts his invitation to the policeman's ball in San Francisco, which requires an overnight stay. It is a sweet story about a socially awkward woman making her way in the world.
5 reviews
April 21, 2025
In the latest installment of Nancy Stewert’s Saltcliff series, Done in at the Dog Spa, we return to the charming coastal town to meet new characters and follow Dahlia as she juggles a deepening romance with Detective Owen. This time, Dahlia takes on a more official role as a consultant for the Saltcliff Police Department, diving into a puzzling case that involves both a murder and a mysterious dognapping. With suspects around every corner, this one kept me guessing right up until the very end!
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
April 21, 2025
If you haven't started this series yet and enjoy cozy mysteries, you are missing out. Clever and funny, this enticing read has you working the case right along with Dahlia and Owen. Add in a cast of lovable characters, a charming small-town setting and a ton of heart, humor and genuineness and you have an irresistible series that has you hooked and leaves you eager to return to Saltcliff just as soon as you possibly can.
1,285 reviews19 followers
April 7, 2025
Done In at the Dog Day Spa is a fun and entertaining cozy mystery. I love the characters, especially the cute dogs. This book is well written and engaging. I could not put the book down. The mystery has many twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. I love this book and highly recommend it.
59 reviews
April 16, 2025
Cute installment to the Saltcliff series! Dahlia is once again involved in solving a murder case with her sheriff love interest. This time involving a dog show in which Taco dog is entered by Dahlias niece. Engaging mystery with a bit of romance.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,925 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2025
Really Great Mystery Series

I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. I love Taco Dog and Diantha. Then there's Amal, Dahila and Owen. There's always a mystery with a murder to solve. It all makes for a captivating read that I didn't want to put down
777 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2025
This series is such a cute story easy to read enjoyable story . Love the dog in it taco dog lab with murder and dog show in this one . Well done author .
77 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2025
Canine competitors abound as breeders and their pampered pooches gather for the Annual Saltcliff Dog Show. Danny has won Dahlia’s approval to enter Taco Dog in the ameteur category and has been diligently teaching him some very clever tricks. As the competition draws near, things go terribly awry when a showdog is stolen and his abrasive owner is found dead at the local doggie spa. As usual, Owen enlists Dahlia’s aid in following the clues and even Taco helps with the case.


Another great cozy mystery from this very creative author. Love the characters, the town, the clever plots. Clues abound and secrets are uncovered but is everyone barking up the wrong tree? Owen has a surprise for Dahlia that is really special. A pawsitively great read!
Profile Image for Sarah.
57 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2025
This is the fourth installment of the Saltcliff Mysteries where neurodivergent bed and breakfast owner, Dahlia, and Taco, her allergen sniffing dog, help solve murder mysteries with now boyfriend, Detective Sanderson. These novels are well-written and a fun, fluffy escapist read. I have enjoyed each of the stories and will absolutely read future novels. If you're in need of a little palate cleanser or want to ensure an enjoyable time on a plane, long drive or a solid vacation read, these are an excellent choice.
444 reviews5 followers
May 14, 2025
Another entertaining cozy mystery set in Saltcliff!
This is the fourth book in the Saltcliff Mysteries series but it can be read as a stand-alone.

Another dead body is found in Saltcliff - this time at the Dog Spa. Since Dahlia has been helping the police a lot she is now asked to help with the case as an official consultant. Of course her and Taco help solve the case.
I love reading this series. I like all the main characters and love reading about how their relationships evolve. I especially enjoyed reading about Taco Dog learning new tricks and competing in the dog-show.
If you like cozy mysteries set in small towns this one is for you.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
579 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2025
These books keep getting better & better!! I love the characters & how they are evolving in each story. They have all come a long way from the first book. Owen & Dahlia are getting closer, he accepts her the way she is & is good letting her go at her own pace with their relationship. Dahlia, Danny, Amal & Taco Dog have become their own family. I really didn’t want to put the book down & didn’t want the book to end!! This was another entertaining mystery solved by Owen, Dahlia with the help of Taco Dog & Danny. I am loving these books & can’t wait for the next one!! If you enjoy well written, entertaining cozy mysteries with wonderful characters & adorable animals then you will love this book!! I’m eagerly waiting for the next book!!
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