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Doodlebugged Mysteries #3
Dog-Nabbed
Doodle, that amiable but extremely independent canine detective returns in a new adventure that Virginia Smith, the best-selling author of the Falsely Accused series, calls "the perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and laugh-out-loud doggy observations."
What’s not to love about a trip the Blue Ridge Mountains? Doodle has a blast—biggest yard ever, plus wild turkeys to chase–while Molly enjoys visiting her grandparents. But then Molly’s good friend, Lizzie, begs for help. Lizzie’s father, under the influence of a self-proclaimed prophet named Zeke, forbids Lizzie to see anyone not approved by Zeke--not Molly, and, worse, not even Lizzie’s desperately ill grandmother. Defying Zeke, Molly and Lizzie meet secretly in the woods where a discovery makes Molly think Zeke’s hiding something. But how can she prove it?
As for Doodle, he loves all these hikes through the woods. Until he and Molly, hot on Zeke’s trail, end up lost—seriously, not his fault—and Doodle discovers that while it’s no fun being lost, it can be even worse to be found—by the wrong person.
See what readers are saying about the Doodlebugged mysteries!
“. . .warmhearted and funny but never superficial. . .I haven’t met a fictional character in a long time that I enjoyed melding my mind with as much as Doodle.” Mary Jo Rabe, Amazon.com review of Out-Sniffed.
"Don't miss the opportunity to spend some time with this astute and sometimes cheeky canine. Doodle delivers" .—AuntB, review of Out-Sniffed on Amazon.com
". . .delightful, briskly paced, with appealing characters, especially Doodle. Kroupa's knowledge of, and love for, dogs shines through every scene." –Sherwood Smith, Goodreads review of Bed-Bugged
What’s not to love about a trip the Blue Ridge Mountains? Doodle has a blast—biggest yard ever, plus wild turkeys to chase–while Molly enjoys visiting her grandparents. But then Molly’s good friend, Lizzie, begs for help. Lizzie’s father, under the influence of a self-proclaimed prophet named Zeke, forbids Lizzie to see anyone not approved by Zeke--not Molly, and, worse, not even Lizzie’s desperately ill grandmother. Defying Zeke, Molly and Lizzie meet secretly in the woods where a discovery makes Molly think Zeke’s hiding something. But how can she prove it?
As for Doodle, he loves all these hikes through the woods. Until he and Molly, hot on Zeke’s trail, end up lost—seriously, not his fault—and Doodle discovers that while it’s no fun being lost, it can be even worse to be found—by the wrong person.
See what readers are saying about the Doodlebugged mysteries!
“. . .warmhearted and funny but never superficial. . .I haven’t met a fictional character in a long time that I enjoyed melding my mind with as much as Doodle.” Mary Jo Rabe, Amazon.com review of Out-Sniffed.
"Don't miss the opportunity to spend some time with this astute and sometimes cheeky canine. Doodle delivers" .—AuntB, review of Out-Sniffed on Amazon.com
". . .delightful, briskly paced, with appealing characters, especially Doodle. Kroupa's knowledge of, and love for, dogs shines through every scene." –Sherwood Smith, Goodreads review of Bed-Bugged
192 pages, ebook
First published January 19, 2014
264 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Susan J. Kroupa
32 books48 followersBefore she let her writing go to the dogs, Susan J. Kroupa won awards for her fiction from such places as the Utah Arts Council Contest, Writers of the Future and the Deep South Writing Competition. Her stories have appeared in Realms of Fantasy and in a variety of anthologies, including Bruce Coville's Shapeshifters. Now, she is perhaps best known for her Doodlebugged Mysteries, a gentle cozy series featuring the irrepressible but obedience-impaired sniffer-dog, Doodle.
Susan lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwestern Virginia with her husband and a trouble-prone labradoodle whose superpower is bringing home dead possums. You can learn more about her on her webpage www.susankroupa.com or by subscribing to her newsletter (where you can sometimes get free stories and other cool stuff) at http://eepurl.com/3PUR1.
Susan lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwestern Virginia with her husband and a trouble-prone labradoodle whose superpower is bringing home dead possums. You can learn more about her on her webpage www.susankroupa.com or by subscribing to her newsletter (where you can sometimes get free stories and other cool stuff) at http://eepurl.com/3PUR1.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
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August 10, 2016In this third Doodlebugged mystery, Doodle, the labradoodle trained to sniff out bedbugs, is taken to the Appalachian hills by Molly's dad ("the boss") to visit Molly's grandparents, some maternal relatives, and her old friend Lizzie.
Except that Lizzie isn't available because her dad, grief-stricken at an accident that killed Lizzie's older brother, has taken to listening to a "holy man" who denies the family pretty much everything. Except giving money to him. This man, Zeke, chases off Molly and Doodle when they try to explore the woods, until Molly stumbles on something she wasn't supposed to see, and gets herself and Doodle lost in the process.
This third book is very complex for a kids' book, full of family dynamics and questions like how one deals with grief, and what anger can drive one to. It's also about how dogs are treated, how they learn, and above all about bonds of friendship and family. I'm relieved to say that even the religious element is handled deftly, unlike so many supposedly more sophisticated genre books: Zeke is very plainly using religion to con, there is no authorial voice hammering the message that All Religion Is Bad.
All this in a light-hearted, sensory first person present tense, exactly the way a dog lives his life. It's Doodle's narration that keeps just the right note. In other hands this storyline could have become lugubrious, but Kroupa keeps the pages turning, with a fine balance of tension, laughter, and sensitivity.
Except that Lizzie isn't available because her dad, grief-stricken at an accident that killed Lizzie's older brother, has taken to listening to a "holy man" who denies the family pretty much everything. Except giving money to him. This man, Zeke, chases off Molly and Doodle when they try to explore the woods, until Molly stumbles on something she wasn't supposed to see, and gets herself and Doodle lost in the process.
This third book is very complex for a kids' book, full of family dynamics and questions like how one deals with grief, and what anger can drive one to. It's also about how dogs are treated, how they learn, and above all about bonds of friendship and family. I'm relieved to say that even the religious element is handled deftly, unlike so many supposedly more sophisticated genre books: Zeke is very plainly using religion to con, there is no authorial voice hammering the message that All Religion Is Bad.
All this in a light-hearted, sensory first person present tense, exactly the way a dog lives his life. It's Doodle's narration that keeps just the right note. In other hands this storyline could have become lugubrious, but Kroupa keeps the pages turning, with a fine balance of tension, laughter, and sensitivity.
October 2, 2021
Undercover Doodle
When the boss, Molly, and Doodle go back to his parents for Thanksgiving, they find things changed. Zeke Combs, who styles himself a prophet of God, has come between a dying mother and her daughter and grandkids. Molly, of course, feels compelled to help her friend visit her dying grandmother.
Molly and Doodle get lost in the woods when they spy on Zeke and are attacked by his dog, Rocky. After they are found,Doodle gets away from the cop who is to hold him for Animal Control. Doodle's nose has him chasing after a flock of turkeys, the officers try to find him but, strike out. Doodle heads home on his own and gets nabbed by two men who sell him to a dog fence. who sells him to a lady, whom Doodle runs away from, only to end up at a rescue where he is finally returned to his family.
But, the story continues as he goes undercover, wearing a wire, to catch the fence red-handed.
When the boss, Molly, and Doodle go back to his parents for Thanksgiving, they find things changed. Zeke Combs, who styles himself a prophet of God, has come between a dying mother and her daughter and grandkids. Molly, of course, feels compelled to help her friend visit her dying grandmother.
Molly and Doodle get lost in the woods when they spy on Zeke and are attacked by his dog, Rocky. After they are found,Doodle gets away from the cop who is to hold him for Animal Control. Doodle's nose has him chasing after a flock of turkeys, the officers try to find him but, strike out. Doodle heads home on his own and gets nabbed by two men who sell him to a dog fence. who sells him to a lady, whom Doodle runs away from, only to end up at a rescue where he is finally returned to his family.
But, the story continues as he goes undercover, wearing a wire, to catch the fence red-handed.
November 26, 2014
I received this from Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
What an adorable book! Obviously for younger readers, it is easy to read and so entertaining. Will definitely keep this series in mind.
What an adorable book! Obviously for younger readers, it is easy to read and so entertaining. Will definitely keep this series in mind.
December 24, 2014
Cozy for dog lovers
This was a nice afternoon read. Enjoyed the dog's eye perspective. The author clearly loves dogs and writes a good story.
This was a nice afternoon read. Enjoyed the dog's eye perspective. The author clearly loves dogs and writes a good story.
December 23, 2014
enjoyed reading about Doodle and look forward to reading more from Susan Kroupa.
August 19, 2020
Cute story from the dog's perspective but some disturbing sections...
The author could have written the chapter differently that dealt with animal shelters putting dogs to sleep. It was unnecessary and disturbing, and tarnished the feel-good warmth the book created to that point. I began skimming the next couple of chapters. This was not the proper forum to enlighten people about properly ID'ing their pets.
This is my first read with Doodle, and, being a dog lover, I fell in love with him right away. The cover of the book is great as you get to see Doodle and create his scenes in your mind's eye. Labradoodles are so darn cute to start with! I had belly laughs from the first pages, where Doodle gives his perspective on a dog throwing up. It's said that dogs have the intelligence of a 3 year old, so the simplistic writing is perfect from Doodle's view point.
The author could have written the chapter differently that dealt with animal shelters putting dogs to sleep. It was unnecessary and disturbing, and tarnished the feel-good warmth the book created to that point. I began skimming the next couple of chapters. This was not the proper forum to enlighten people about properly ID'ing their pets.
This is my first read with Doodle, and, being a dog lover, I fell in love with him right away. The cover of the book is great as you get to see Doodle and create his scenes in your mind's eye. Labradoodles are so darn cute to start with! I had belly laughs from the first pages, where Doodle gives his perspective on a dog throwing up. It's said that dogs have the intelligence of a 3 year old, so the simplistic writing is perfect from Doodle's view point.
July 23, 2018
Another thrilling, fur ball involved adventure!
It was an extremely satisfying and magnificent experience to read another exploit of Doodle and Molly leading to a much needed reunion of a family thanks to the discovery made by Molly and her camera and breaking up of a dog stealing and illegal canine sale ring. The exhilaration one feels has to be experienced by reading this endearing book!
It was an extremely satisfying and magnificent experience to read another exploit of Doodle and Molly leading to a much needed reunion of a family thanks to the discovery made by Molly and her camera and breaking up of a dog stealing and illegal canine sale ring. The exhilaration one feels has to be experienced by reading this endearing book!
March 17, 2018
Love Doodle and his antics. But this time, with him being dog-nabbed, I really was worried with every passing chapter...
This was the most tensed book in the series so far. I never ever want to read about Doodle being snatched away from his family ever again. He is far too lovely to be away from Molly and Josh Hunter
This was the most tensed book in the series so far. I never ever want to read about Doodle being snatched away from his family ever again. He is far too lovely to be away from Molly and Josh Hunter
June 29, 2018
My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.
August 17, 2020
I love Doodle
It's be great to have a dog like him. But, too the revise.
This was the best book yet. No real holes, and everything pretty much tied up by the end.
In my opinion, it would have added to the book to include a little more description of the beautiful blue ridge mountains. Too others, that might just be excess window dressing.
It's be great to have a dog like him. But, too the revise.
This was the best book yet. No real holes, and everything pretty much tied up by the end.
In my opinion, it would have added to the book to include a little more description of the beautiful blue ridge mountains. Too others, that might just be excess window dressing.
August 22, 2020
Fun and Clever
This is the third book in a series about a labradoodle who reminds me of my own dog. The characters are likable and the story suitable for cozy fans of all ages. And as a bonus, Doodle narrates the story from a dog's point of view. I’ll definitely look for the rest of the series.
This is the third book in a series about a labradoodle who reminds me of my own dog. The characters are likable and the story suitable for cozy fans of all ages. And as a bonus, Doodle narrates the story from a dog's point of view. I’ll definitely look for the rest of the series.
August 31, 2020
Hooray for Doodle
This story was set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is a very beautiful place. The setting is perfect for an energetic Labradoodle. There are adventures galore
and many new and interesting characters. You will enjoy a great ride from the first page through to the last one.
This story was set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is a very beautiful place. The setting is perfect for an energetic Labradoodle. There are adventures galore
and many new and interesting characters. You will enjoy a great ride from the first page through to the last one.
September 7, 2020
Love this book!,
This book that I just read that I’m reviewing as one of the best stories that I have read in a very long time I have enjoyed the author I have enjoyed the characters I have enjoyed the Labre doodle doodle I would enjoy reading more books about the doodle again I don’t want to spoil it for you so enjoy you got to read it
This book that I just read that I’m reviewing as one of the best stories that I have read in a very long time I have enjoyed the author I have enjoyed the characters I have enjoyed the Labre doodle doodle I would enjoy reading more books about the doodle again I don’t want to spoil it for you so enjoy you got to read it
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September 8, 2020Good read
Written from Doodle's point of view. Doodle is a labradoodle who works sniffing out bedbugs. When the boss (his owner) and Molly (the daughter) go to visit grandparents all kinds of adventure happen. Like chasing turkeys. And wearing a wire to mab a man selling stolen dogs. Among other things. A sweet story from the dog's point of view.
Written from Doodle's point of view. Doodle is a labradoodle who works sniffing out bedbugs. When the boss (his owner) and Molly (the daughter) go to visit grandparents all kinds of adventure happen. Like chasing turkeys. And wearing a wire to mab a man selling stolen dogs. Among other things. A sweet story from the dog's point of view.
September 1, 2021
Best one yet!
Doodle and Molly are up to their necks in ringing down the bad guys! What a story, enjoyed from page one to the final period!! As always, sharing in Doodle's thoughts is pure joy, and having a wonderful kid like Molly would be anyone's joy as well. Great read, filled with ever-expanding great characters. Super book for all ages.
Doodle and Molly are up to their necks in ringing down the bad guys! What a story, enjoyed from page one to the final period!! As always, sharing in Doodle's thoughts is pure joy, and having a wonderful kid like Molly would be anyone's joy as well. Great read, filled with ever-expanding great characters. Super book for all ages.
July 13, 2024
Great justice
I really enjoy these Doodlebugged Mysteries. I am going to order sets for my great grandchildren to enjoy too. This one had more danger in the storyline but all is well in the end. The bad people get their justice and a lot of animals are now safe at home with their families.
I really enjoy these Doodlebugged Mysteries. I am going to order sets for my great grandchildren to enjoy too. This one had more danger in the storyline but all is well in the end. The bad people get their justice and a lot of animals are now safe at home with their families.
September 1, 2017
Another Adventure with Doodle
Doodle is trained to find bedbugs but does much more. He finds other things and also helps solve crimes, along with his girl Molly. When he is dognapped she is heartbroken and he just wants to go home. Another awesome read.
Doodle is trained to find bedbugs but does much more. He finds other things and also helps solve crimes, along with his girl Molly. When he is dognapped she is heartbroken and he just wants to go home. Another awesome read.
July 23, 2018
Great book! I really enjoyed every bit of the book. Look forward to reading more of the Doodle series of books.
Like a breath of fresh air. Very well written. Finished it in one go. The writing style is very refreshing
Like a breath of fresh air. Very well written. Finished it in one go. The writing style is very refreshing
September 8, 2018
Doodle does it again
Molly and Doodle are great together. In this adventure both Molly and Doodle get lost. Just when you think the worst might happen Doodle saves the day. These stories are wonderful for young people and senior citizens like me.
Molly and Doodle are great together. In this adventure both Molly and Doodle get lost. Just when you think the worst might happen Doodle saves the day. These stories are wonderful for young people and senior citizens like me.
November 11, 2018
Another must read
I do enjoy reading books from new authors. This book was fun. Sure there were parts that made me nervous but that's what makes a book good. Read the book. You won't be sorry.
I do enjoy reading books from new authors. This book was fun. Sure there were parts that made me nervous but that's what makes a book good. Read the book. You won't be sorry.
June 9, 2019
Fun
This is a great story told from the viewpoint of Doodle, a Labradoodle and ace Hunter of bed bugs. It is a story for all age groups. It is filled with humor, love, and just a small amount of doggie drool. Very enjoyable.
This is a great story told from the viewpoint of Doodle, a Labradoodle and ace Hunter of bed bugs. It is a story for all age groups. It is filled with humor, love, and just a small amount of doggie drool. Very enjoyable.
August 22, 2020
Love these
I Love these books they are written from the prospective of Doodle the dog and it is right on I can inhibit e how some things we do and say makes no sense to a dog whatsoever.
I Love these books they are written from the prospective of Doodle the dog and it is right on I can inhibit e how some things we do and say makes no sense to a dog whatsoever.
September 25, 2020
Dog Nabbed
I've always enjoyed books about animals.These books have a twist in that they give the story from the Doodle's perspective. He has one adventure after another. All the characters are well developed and the story line keeps you turning pages.Very good read.
I've always enjoyed books about animals.These books have a twist in that they give the story from the Doodle's perspective. He has one adventure after another. All the characters are well developed and the story line keeps you turning pages.Very good read.
December 25, 2020
Doodle
What would you do if some of your family members weren't allowed to talk to other family members? Can Molly find the answer to this and more? This is a cute read that captures your attention from the start.
What would you do if some of your family members weren't allowed to talk to other family members? Can Molly find the answer to this and more? This is a cute read that captures your attention from the start.
December 27, 2020
I loved this story! The third in the series, I have read the first two and they keep getting better! The suspense when Molly and Doodle are in danger. The message about shelters, rescues and proper IDs for our beloved pets all added to the lovely story line all told from the dogs perspective.
December 28, 2020
Fun book told from a dog's perspective
Such an original story as told from the dogs perspective, I really felt I was hearing about life activities as a dog would perceive them! Warm hearted and a story that any age can enjoy!
Such an original story as told from the dogs perspective, I really felt I was hearing about life activities as a dog would perceive them! Warm hearted and a story that any age can enjoy!
April 18, 2021
Cute story told from a dog's perspective
I enjoyed this quick and easy read told from Doodle's perspective. Much different from my usual deep reading. Enjoyable story and characters.
I enjoyed this quick and easy read told from Doodle's perspective. Much different from my usual deep reading. Enjoyable story and characters.
January 23, 2024
Love the Doodle Series!
I love the way the author tells the story from Doodles thoughts and felling! It makes you wonder, just how much our pets feel and think of us? Well time to find the next book in the series, I know it's going to be Great!
I love the way the author tells the story from Doodles thoughts and felling! It makes you wonder, just how much our pets feel and think of us? Well time to find the next book in the series, I know it's going to be Great!
February 17, 2025
Adorable
I'm in my 50s, love to read & found this series. I fell in love with it! It's a quick, easy read that will make you smile all the way through. Doodle is adorable and being a dog-lover, I had a blast hearing the story from him.
I'm in my 50s, love to read & found this series. I fell in love with it! It's a quick, easy read that will make you smile all the way through. Doodle is adorable and being a dog-lover, I had a blast hearing the story from him.
June 22, 2017
Less mystery but a good story. Characters still great. Liked the pitch for rescue!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews