Goats Just Wanna Have Fun: A Zen Goat Mystery

by Janna Rollins

It’s late summer and time for the Lupine County Fair. Callie has agreed to teach daily goat yoga sessions for the duration of the fair, and she’s excited her cousin Tristan is coming from Boston to help her out. She’s looking forward to experiencing every moment her first rural county fair has to offer, including eating her weight in greasy corn dogs and curly fries, then taking in the excitement of the carnival at night. Maybe she’ll bump into that handsome, albeit frustrating, veterinarian, Levi McClure.

But things get wild fast when the proprietor of Hasty Hogs Racing Pigs is murdered on the track in front of a crowd of spectators. When the local snow cone stand owner, Sweet Pete, is found with evidence pointing to him as the killer, Callie is sure it’s a set-up. It’s going to take a calm mind and a Zenful spirit to find the real killer before she ends up hog-tied.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery

238 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2025

Reviews

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

You "herd" it here first, folks! This second installment in the Zen Goat Mystery series is a wonderfully written whodunit that I enjoyed even more than the first! Author Janna Rollins pulled me right into the story alongside goat yoga instructor and sleuth, Callie Haybeck. While Callie sets out to enjoy her first time at county fair, witnessing a death occur during the pig racing contest quickly "goats" in the way of her good time. With murder, deception, and deceit, readers will be captivated with this mystery from start to finish. I love the characters and relationships that continue to develop in this series. They bring such a warmth to me, I can't help but find myself smiling as I read through their interactions and experiences together. Highly recommend to cozy mystery readers!

Many thanks to the author, Janna Rollins, for allowing me to read an ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Rose Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written cozy mystery. The main character, Callie and her sidekick cousin, Tristan are likeable and believable characters. The author sets the story at a New Hampshire fall fair, and describes the setting well. The carnival, the food vendors, the demolition derby, and the pig racing all add to the story. As does the barn where the goats are kept.
There’s an excellent murder mystery to be solved where the victim is killed in an original manner. With two subplots involving Callie, her great-aunt and great-uncle, and a handsome veterinarian, the story moves forward well.
There are plenty of suspects and I was guessing who the killer was until almost the end.
Well done! I recommend this book and the first book in the series (An Escape Goat) if you haven’t read it. Definitely a 5 star read.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kirstin Troyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janna did it again with another spectacular book. Goats Just Wanna Have Fun is the second book in the Zen Goat Mystery series and you will quickly fall in love with the characters, both human and goat. You may also find yourself wanting to try some goat yoga. Callie is again sharing her love for goat yoga, this time at the county fair. Of course there is a murder, that appears to be an accident (but not for long) and while Callie doesn't immediately get involved, she is drawn in and finds herself trying to clear the names of her friends (both old and new), and figuring out "whodunit". With the help of her cousin and a few others, she sets out to help solve the mystery. Janna's characters are well written, true to life and people you want in your own life. Ahem, though there is one person I particularly don't care for. As always she leaves us with a cliffhanger, anticipating the next book. You will not be disappointed.

[Lori Bonkoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light, fun read for the second book in this series. With the county fair going on, goat yoga is a natural fit. When the man in charge of the pig races is killed, Callie finds herself trying to figure out who wanted him dead. She has plenty of suspects but no good motives. She accidentally stumbles upon the real killer and finds her rescue from Bugsy, the naughty goat. All the right notes for a county fair and the food. I hope there are more adventures for Bugsy and Callie!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

[Shilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, summer fair, and pig races. What more could a girl want!

[Tracy Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Zen Goat Mystery series and is a thoroughly delightful and fun cozy. This next installment involves goat yoga, a hog racing misfire, fair rides and midway fun, plus murder and other nefarious things. Callie Haybeck has moved from the city of Seattle to Bobwhite Hollow to connect with family found through a DNA website search such as you would find through Ancestry.com. Back story is included to keep you in the loop. What started out as a short visit has become so much more. The story is that Callie’s dad and grandma were abandoned by his father and so he wanted nothing to do with his paternal family. Callie has been given her dad’s blessing to get to know the Haybeck side of the family but to keep her dad out of it. This farming family, located in Bobwhite Hollow, is the reason that Callie has decided to dip her yoga instructor toes into goat yoga and is contracted to give a daily goat yoga lesson at the county fair. They are not however, the reason, that Callie gets herself involved in a murder mystery.
The characters are fun and interesting, not to mention the colorful turn of phrases that pepper the pages of this unique cozy. I say unique because there is goat yoga and a different sort of slow burn between Callie and the handsome veterinarian. It seems that Callie suffers from an inability to not say awkward and sometimes even brusque things to Levi the vet and then berates herself afterwards. Callie does enjoy a good bit of verbal sparring with her new found cousin and bff Tristan Beck (he dropped the Hay) who is a bit too posh for the farmland but has a great heart and is the Watson to Callie’s Sherlock.
Callie has no intention of getting involved, until Sweet Pete the ice cream shop and snow cone guy asks her to clear his name. With most mysteries, there are several people of interest which means that there are plenty of suspects besides Pete, who just happened upon a key piece of evidence next to his trash can. Brandon Ebersole, the victim owed people, including his former business partner money. Ebersole’s checks were bouncing as high as Bugsy the goat could jump. Incidentally, Bugsy is Callie’s escape artist goat. Michelle, Brandon’s wife has been seen with a guy quite quickly after the murder. Nancy Achilles, is a “vegan” who protests the hog races for animal cruelty. Finally, what was the fair manager, Jay Rowe, and victim Brandon arguing about and why was Brandon seen stuffing cash in his pocket as he left Jay’s office.
The descriptive language makes you feel like you are at the fair and even had me craving a corn dog. The plot is well crafted with just the right amount of humor, mystery, scandal, and misdirection. I have never seen goat yoga but I do have friends who swear by it. The characters are as entertaining and interesting as the idea of goat yoga and the plot hanger family history has me wishing that the next book was already available.

This review was given in exchange for an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher.

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The goats are back, in Janna Rollins' newest mystery, and they are having more fun than ever!

It's Summer in beautiful Bobwhite Hollow, and Callie is excited that her goats are making their debut in the Lupine County Fair, with morning goat yoga sessions. However the fun fair turns deadly when the owner of Hasty Hogs Racing Pigs is murdered on the first night, and with the help of her cousin Tristan, Callie looks to find a killer.

I loved the first Zen Goat Mystery, An Escape Goat, so much. It felt fresh and new and I loved every second of it. Fast forward to now, and mere minutes ago I finished Goats Just Wanna Have Fun and let me tell you... it is even better than the first!!! Bugsy the goat is back and causing all kind of mayhem... but this time at the fair... and he has little baby goat helpers with the mischief!

The mystery was a stunning whodunnit, where not everyone is who they seems, and I definitely did not solve it before Callie. It was a race against the clock to untangle the cluesIbefore the fair ended!

For those new to the series, you definitely can jump right in with this book. The back history of how a city girl ends up on a farm is explained, and you won't feel lost at all. However, "fair" warning you are going to want to read the first book after and also want to find a goat yoga session afterwards!!!! Because that's exactly what I did.

If, like me, you're craving Summer in this cold Winter, then Goats Just Wanna Have Fun is the perfect read to be dreaming of Summer. You'll come for the mystery, but stay for the goats!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was delightful to go along on Callie's journey from big city, want to teach yoga on the beach girl to farm girl/goat yoga entrepreneur. Finding extended family was the catalyst, but developing caring relationships and finding community was the force behind her growth. When she takes her goats to the county fair to introduce goat yoga to the larger community, things spin out of control. When she the owner of the Hasty Pigs Racing team is murdered and a friend is identified as a prime suspect, Callie starts asking questions and eating her way through all the fun fair food, she finds herself in the cross-hairs of the murderer. Who is instrumental in saving her was one of my favorite parts of the story. I did suspect the identity of the murderer about midway through the book, but getting to motive was more of a challenge. It kept me turning the pages until the end.

I found myself rooting for most of the characters in this book and wanting to know more about them. There are a couple of sub-plots in this book that having me excitedly waiting for the next book. I want to know if Callie chooses to stay in Lupine County with her newly found family and develop her goat yoga business and her relationship with the local veterinarian or stick to her original "teach yoga on the beach" plan. I have a suspicion, but you just never know!

Thanks to Book Sirens for the chance to read this advance review copy. My review is voluntarily provided.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lupine County Fair is in full swing, and Callie has agreed to bring her zen goat yoga sessions. Bugsy is a lovable but somewhat pushy goat, prone to escaping his pen and causing trouble. His antics pale when real trouble comes to the fair. Hasty Hogs Racing Pigs are a crowd pleaser and quite popular. Everyone is shocked when an exploding starter pistol causes the death of the proprietor. Callie is even more surprised when the snow cone stand owner, Sweet Pete, is suspected of the murder. Pete appeals to Callie to find the real killer. Callie had been looking forward to introducing people to zen goat yoga and then stuffing herself with fair food. And maybe spending some time with the hunky veterinarian. Now it looks like her time is going to be spent clearing her friend’s name. This cozy is a delight from beginning to end. The goats add a humorous touch, especially Bugsy. There is enough suspense to keep readers involved with the story without being too terrifying. The characters are likable and real. The mystery is a good one, but it is not the only interesting storyline. Subplots involving secondary characters add interest to the story. The novel ends on a bit of mystery involving Callie’s family. This well-written cozy is both entertaining and amusing.

I was given an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goats Just Wanna Have Fun sends us to New Hampshire during county fair season. I just have to say this county fair is way cooler than the one I attended growing up. Janna made it sounds really cool to be a 4-H kid with a sheep or a cow to care for and show. My memory isn’t quite so fond, and we had to go to the state fair for the rides, demolition derby and fair food (fried everything).
Callie has brought the baby goats and Bugsy to the fair to do yoga each morning of the fair. All participants have a good time.
There is at least one fair goer who does not enjoy all the fun going on as he ends up dead during the pig races.
Did not know pig races were a thing. You need to read this book if only to learn about all the cool things that go on in county fairs in some parts of the country.
But I digress, Callie investigates the accident/murder. There are several good suspects, but motives seem a bit questionable. The reader is kept guessing. I didn’t want it to turn out to be who it was.
This cozy mystery is loads of fun with clever plotting of the mystery. I really like Callie and her great aunt and uncle. Tristan, her cousin, doesn’t always seem genuine. He leads Callie into trouble but also helps her out when things go sideways.
I recommend going to the county fair with Goats Just Wanna Have Fun.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goat Just Wanna Have Fun is the second book in Janna Rollins’ Zen Goat Mystery series. This time, allergic-to-goats goat yoga instructor Callie and her cousin Tristan find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery when they witness the death of man right in the midst of the pig races at the county fair. The story races along as quickly as the pigs, blending humor, heart, and suspense.

Callie is beginning to realize that the life she truly wants is right there among her family and the goats she’s grown to love. The setting is charming, the plot is engaging, and the characters are a joy to follow. But it’s the goats and the scene-stealing Bugsy who truly shine.

While Callie doesn’t dive into sleuthing right away, she and Tristan can’t help but get involved when a close friend and fellow business owner becomes the prime suspect. I have to admit, the moment we find out the suspect’s alibi is one of my favorite parts of the book.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries where lovable animals steal the show, this is a must-read.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goats Just Wanna Have Fun Bork 2 in A Zen Goat Mystery by Janna Rollins. I found it to be enjoyable and entertaining full of loveable characters and Goats!. What a great cozy mystery it was engaging, really well-written, set in a small town in Lupine County New Hampshire. My favorite character is Bugsy the goat.

The protagonist Callie was intelligent, likeable, and the friends she made were people I would like to hang out with especially her aunt and uncle. The mystery was well written and had plenty of suspects who wanted the victim dead. I did suspect the killer early on but there were a few red herrings so I wasn't 100% sure until close to the end when the final piece fell into place. There are a couple of sub-plots in this book that having me excitedly waiting for the next instalment !

I highly recommend this cozy mystery series to all my friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Level Best Books and BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Careful Who You Trust!

This episode of the Zen Goat Mysteries has several storylines: Ellen and Will's only biological child is trying to have his mom and dad committed as insane, because he thinks Callie wants the farm; Callie and her sister Bree find out disturbing news about their grandmother; Callie is conflicted about whether or not to pursue that Puerto Rican beach dream; and a murder occurs at the yearly fairgrounds in Bobwhite, New Hampshire. There are several suspects, but only one killer. Is the killer among the list of suspects? Also, there are several scenes between Callie and the hot veterinarian, Levi. I gave this book a 5 star rating. I received an advanced reader's copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect cozy escape! Just the second book in the Zen Goat Mystery series but I am firmly committed to these characters and their stories. Especially as Callie has some family drama that still needs sorting. Brilliantly laid out mystery and I loved the way Callie goes about investigating. No TSTL moments for this savvy amateur sleuth! Of course, she still manages to get into trouble, but never fear, Bugsy is always near! Every good cozy has an animal sidekick and this one features an escape artist goat with plenty of attitude. Lovely balance between cozy and mystery (I was totally stumped on the whodunnit!) And there's even the inkling of a romance brewing. Eeeeep! I can't wait for the next book to come out!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie is having goat yoga classes a the local carnival in the mornings, then she has the rest of the day to explore. Someone is murdered at the fair and Callie and her cousin Tristan go about interrogating the locals for information and try to put the pieces together. They find some unsavory facts about the victim and other locals. When they get too close to the truth, she's warned off, but she doesn't take heed and becomes a captive. Is this the way it all ends??? Humor and suspense kept me guessing and turning pages. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Linda "Lilybug's Library" · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific second book in the Zen Goat Series. Callie takes her baby goats and Bugsy, to the county fair. She is going to do morning goat yoga classes each day. While she's enjoying the fair someone gets killed though and she tries to help out a friend by finding the killer. I absolutely love the characters in this series and of course the goats. There is also nothing cozier than a county fair. This was such a charming story and I could read Janna Rollins books all day, every day. I hope this series goes on a long time. I did receive an advance review copy of this bookf for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Book Sirens, the author and publisher.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farm Fresh Fun Cozy
Callie's move from Seattle to Bobwhite Hollow somehow fit her. She moved in with her great aunt and uncle at their farm and loved her life,starting a goat yoga class and helping them made her days peaceful until the Rodeo. Giving free lessons had her there every morning and checking out the attractions was fun...until it wasn't. A tragic misfire took Brandon's life at the hog races,,or was it an accident. Callie snoops around and takes her questions and answers to the Chief. It has fun and intrigue.
I received an arc gratis from Book Bub and offer my opinion in the same

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Scooby never would’ve ditched Shaggy.’

The fair has come to town and our adorable allergic to goats, goat yoga teacher, finds herself immersed in yet another murder mystery. With her trusty, but easily distracted by hot guys sidekick, cousin Tristan, Callie tackles the case with as much enthusiasm as she has making Zen Goat a success. What kept me coming back for more was more than the mystery however. It’s Callie growing into the woman she was meant to be in the place that she’s meant to be...and solving the mysteries of her own past.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goats Just Wanna Have Fun is the 2nd fun book in Janna Rollins' A Zen Goat Mystery series. Callie lives with her Great Uncle Will and Aunt Ellen and she has a herd of goats and teaches goat yoga. Baby goats play and interact with yoga participants which helps everyone laugh and relax.The Lupine County Fair is going on and Callie is doing morning goat yoga during the fair. Some members of the Hasty Hogs Racing Pigs team are staying at their farm. The head of the pig racing team ends up dead. The suspects include the other team members and a few fair people. Callie's cousin and best friend Tristan visits and helps her investigate. Veterinarian Levi is a possible romantic interest and their interactions add some humor. The characters are very likable and the cozy mystery kept me guessing although I suspected the culprit. It is such a fun book! I received an advance copy for free from Author Janna Rollins and I voluntarily leave this review.
#GoatsJustWannaHaveFun #AZenGoatMystery. #JannaRollins #RainyDayMysteries

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goats Just Wanna Have Fun is Book 2 in the Zen Goat Mysteries by Janna Rollins. Just like the title, this book has Bugsy, Callie top goat, and her heard of goats. I thought this story was fun with great characters. The murder was clever and I was surprised by who the murderer was and why. Pop some popcorn, fix your favorite drink, and go to the fair with Cammie and Bugsy. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a laugh out loud murder mystery.

The concept of Goat Yoga is amazing to start with. Then add to this a mischievous pet goat who is Houdini in disguise and there is massive potential for  trouble at a local county fair.

The murder  mystery was satisfyingly complex with lots of suspects.

All in all, a really enjoyable read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie, Bugsby, and the gang are back for more goat yoga – this time at the town’s carnival. Everything is corndogs, ice cream, and thrill rides until the owner of the pig races dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances. Callie and her friends have to solve the mystery before the final curtain call spells catastrophe for the town.

[Amy Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Goats just wanna have fun." This is a very enjoyable and exciting read. A well-written book is loads of fun. Murders happen all around in the midst of a carnival. Callie is a well-written character, and everyone is an amazing read. Even though I hadn't read the first book, I could follow along without a problem.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOATS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN - I liked the title and the book's cover, even with the floating goat. A cute, funny and entertaining Cozy. A good variety of characters made for an interesting read of which Bugsy is my favorite character. Source: BookSirens. 4*

[Lisa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

This book had me hooked from page 1. Enjoyed r
The detail was amazing; I felt like I was at the County Fair, smelling the cotton candy, corn dogs, and the noises from the midway rides. I do say Busy is my favorite and look forward to reading more Zen Goat books

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this murder cozy. Likable characters. Good story. And enough action to keep you on your toes.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had already read this book but didn't realize it. This book is both funny and mysterious
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love goats & I loved this book!! super fun & great characters

[Heather Harrisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bugsy!!! His antics make me laugh out loud. Such a good story with great characters!