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Magical Menagerie Mystery #2
Dead Men Wag No Tails
Romance, treasure and danger collide in the charming coastal town of Twilight Cove. Don't miss the newest installment in
USA Today
bestselling author Sarah Fox's enchanting Magical Menagerie mystery series!
For a small seaside town, Twilight Cove sure has plenty of excitement . . .
Georgie Johansen's return to the coastal haven of Twilight Cove has been a dream come she gets to work with Auntie O at the animal sanctuary, has adopted two very adorable dogs who have very special abilities and even has a blossoming romance with the gorgeous farmhand Callum.
It's August and the town is buzzing with anticipation for the annual Dead Eye Days pirate festival. The excitement reaches a fever pitch when long-term resident Jasper, a pirate fanatic, declares he is in possession of a treasure map!
However, the hunt for treasure soon becomes a hunt for a murderer when Jasper is found dead, and Georgie is once again compelled to put on her sleuthing hat. With her extraordinary dogs Flossie and Fancy beside her, and Euclid, the mysterious great-horned owl, keeping a watchful eye on them, can she uncover the killer and protect Twilight Cove? Or will her curiosity put a bounty on her own head?
This delightful cozy mystery series with a magical twist is perfect for fans of Sofie Kelly, Amanda Flowers, Wendy Corsi Staub and Gretchen Rue!
For a small seaside town, Twilight Cove sure has plenty of excitement . . .
Georgie Johansen's return to the coastal haven of Twilight Cove has been a dream come she gets to work with Auntie O at the animal sanctuary, has adopted two very adorable dogs who have very special abilities and even has a blossoming romance with the gorgeous farmhand Callum.
It's August and the town is buzzing with anticipation for the annual Dead Eye Days pirate festival. The excitement reaches a fever pitch when long-term resident Jasper, a pirate fanatic, declares he is in possession of a treasure map!
However, the hunt for treasure soon becomes a hunt for a murderer when Jasper is found dead, and Georgie is once again compelled to put on her sleuthing hat. With her extraordinary dogs Flossie and Fancy beside her, and Euclid, the mysterious great-horned owl, keeping a watchful eye on them, can she uncover the killer and protect Twilight Cove? Or will her curiosity put a bounty on her own head?
This delightful cozy mystery series with a magical twist is perfect for fans of Sofie Kelly, Amanda Flowers, Wendy Corsi Staub and Gretchen Rue!
Audible Audio
Published January 7, 2025
16 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Fox
24 books760 followersSarah Fox, writer of cozy mysteries, was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she developed a love for mysteries at a young age. When not writing novels or working as a legal writer she is often reading her way through a stack of books or spending time outdoors with her English Springer Spaniel.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 59 reviews
January 1, 2025
Romance, treasure. and danger collide in the coastal town of Twilight Cove. It's been a dream come true for Georgie to get to work with Auntie O at the animal sanctuary. She has adopted two adorable dogs who have some paranormal abilities, as well as the same for an owl. Plus, she has a blossoming romance with the gorgeous farmhand Callum.
Sadly, I didn't enjoy reading Dead Men Wag No Tails as much as I did the first book, Murder Most Owl. It was much heavier in the romance department - and to me it felt more like a young adult, bordering on middle school, romance. I could have done without so many descriptions, too. (The food the characters were eating, what they were wearing, when they showered, how their hair was fixed, etc.)
Of course, I adored the dogs and the owl. We all need dogs and owls like that to help us navigate life! The storyline and plot were interesting, as well.
Thank you #SevernHouse for providing this book for review consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This book is #2 in the Magical Menagerie Mystery series, and it has an expected publication date of January 7, 2025.
Sadly, I didn't enjoy reading Dead Men Wag No Tails as much as I did the first book, Murder Most Owl. It was much heavier in the romance department - and to me it felt more like a young adult, bordering on middle school, romance. I could have done without so many descriptions, too. (The food the characters were eating, what they were wearing, when they showered, how their hair was fixed, etc.)
Of course, I adored the dogs and the owl. We all need dogs and owls like that to help us navigate life! The storyline and plot were interesting, as well.
Thank you #SevernHouse for providing this book for review consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This book is #2 in the Magical Menagerie Mystery series, and it has an expected publication date of January 7, 2025.
December 15, 2024
Georgie Johansen, a screenwriter, moved from Los Angeles to the beach town of Twilight Cove, Oregon, to help her Aunt Olivia with her farm/animal sanctuary. A local man, Jasper Hogan, has the town in an uproar about a treasure map he claims to have that leads to pirate Dead Eye Dawson’s buried loot.
Readers will enjoy this satisfying mystery, the main characters, and the magical dogs, Flossie and Fancy; a kitten; the wise owl, Euclid; and an African Grey Parrot who witnessed the murder! There’s a lot more than meets the eye. Enjoy!
I honestly read and reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Severn House. All opinions are my own.
Readers will enjoy this satisfying mystery, the main characters, and the magical dogs, Flossie and Fancy; a kitten; the wise owl, Euclid; and an African Grey Parrot who witnessed the murder! There’s a lot more than meets the eye. Enjoy!
I honestly read and reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Severn House. All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2025
This is the second book in the Magical Menagerie series, and I just love the mixture of mystery and magic wrapped up in a cozy mystery bow.
I was fortunate enough to receive a ALC of this audiobook and had a great time over the last few days running errands while listening to Georgie Johansen's adventures and hijinks while visiting her aunt in the coastal haven of Twilight Cove.
What sets this cozy mystery series apart from all others is the inclusion of Georgie's extraordinary dogs, Flossie and Fancy, and Euclid, the mysterious great-horned owl. These companions each have their own special abilities and open up a magical world that I cannot help but love and recommend.
In this edition, Georgie's posse must uncover the mystery behind Jasper's (a pirate loving local) murder. His death comes just days after he announced to all of Twilight Cove that he discovered a treasure map!
If you like a good cozy mystery or enjoy magical pet partners , this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review.
I was fortunate enough to receive a ALC of this audiobook and had a great time over the last few days running errands while listening to Georgie Johansen's adventures and hijinks while visiting her aunt in the coastal haven of Twilight Cove.
What sets this cozy mystery series apart from all others is the inclusion of Georgie's extraordinary dogs, Flossie and Fancy, and Euclid, the mysterious great-horned owl. These companions each have their own special abilities and open up a magical world that I cannot help but love and recommend.
In this edition, Georgie's posse must uncover the mystery behind Jasper's (a pirate loving local) murder. His death comes just days after he announced to all of Twilight Cove that he discovered a treasure map!
If you like a good cozy mystery or enjoy magical pet partners , this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review.
February 8, 2025
Cozy. Vanilla. Slightly boring. With paranormal dogs???
YEP.
YEP.
January 11, 2025
Cute premise for the series with Euclid, the owl that sometimes helps with clues, and the two spaniels with their own magical tendencies. Plus the setting of an animal rescue was great. All the animals were interesting characters. Sadly I couldn't connect with the main female character. The tone reminded me of a Nancy Drew book...which I loved when I was a preteen. So a little bit of a mixed bag for me. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2024
I really enjoy the books I have read by Sarah Fox, so I was interested in checking out this new to me series. This is the second book in the Magical Menagerie series, but it was easy to feel like you knew what was going on. Georgie is an LA transplant and a screen writer to boot so she can write anywhere, and her Auntie O's animal sanctuary is now home. With a friend Tessa that she's had since the summer she spent at the farm at 15 years old and a love interest in the farm's handyman, a retired major league baseball player, Georgie is feeling at home. When a friend of her aunts is murdered after declaring that he had found a treasure map for treasure left by Dead Eye Dawson, the area's legendary pirate, Georgie, Tessa and Georgie "special" animal friends decide to ask a few questions. This was a charming tale with a beautiful location, smart and likable characters, and a little something magical. I will definitely look forward to future adventures with these characters. Thanks to #Netgally #SevernHouse and the author for a chance to read! #DeadMenWagNoTales #MagicalMenagerieMysteries #SarahFox #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
April 14, 2025
3.5 stars
October 20, 2024
#DeadMenWagNoTails #NetGalley is another fun cozy mystery that I enjoyed reading.
Georgie is happy working at the animal sanctuary and she's enjoying her adorable dogs, Fancy and Flossie as well.
Twilight Cove is preparing for the pirate festival, but things go bad when a resident is killed. Georgie once again gets involved in the investigation and hopes she can solve it before someone else is killed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Georgie is happy working at the animal sanctuary and she's enjoying her adorable dogs, Fancy and Flossie as well.
Twilight Cove is preparing for the pirate festival, but things go bad when a resident is killed. Georgie once again gets involved in the investigation and hopes she can solve it before someone else is killed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
January 5, 2025
It's August in Twilight Cove and time for the Dead Eye Days pirate festival. When a long time resident, Jasper, makes an announcement about a map leading to buried treasure, excitement and disbelief abound. Is the map real? Before long Jasper is found dead. Now there are even more questions. Can Georgie solve the case?
This is the second book in the Magical Menagerie Mystery series. I really enjoyed the first and was looking forward to this second one as well. Things got off to a great start with the first couple of chapters as everyone has gathered at a meeting in preparation for the festival. The idea of buried treasure possibly being somewhere was exciting. Jasper was a fun character in the limited time he was around.
Then the murder happens and things changed for me. Whenever Georgie was on her own the pace slowed. Her lack of self confidence and dependence on the assurance of Callum's affections was annoying. There is an increased focus on their relationship this time which I didn't care for because Georgie acts like a teenager, or younger, the entire time. For example, at one point she makes Callum a bracelet and is afraid to give it to him.
Georgie's insecurities extend beyond romance. I don't remember her being this way in the first book. Her investigative skills are lacking. Tessa is the one leading things and discovering information. Neither one of them are very good with their thought processes though. There is a twist later on which kind of comes out of nowhere and isn't incorporated well.
I enjoyed the magical aspect with the dogs less this time but Euclid the owl is great. I was looking forward to the pirate festival and I feel like it doesn't get enough time or detail at the end.
I know many readers will enjoy Dead Men Wag No Tails.The animals and magical realism will appeal to them and others might enjoy the romance more than I did. Unfortunately this mystery just didn't work for me.
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!
This is the second book in the Magical Menagerie Mystery series. I really enjoyed the first and was looking forward to this second one as well. Things got off to a great start with the first couple of chapters as everyone has gathered at a meeting in preparation for the festival. The idea of buried treasure possibly being somewhere was exciting. Jasper was a fun character in the limited time he was around.
Then the murder happens and things changed for me. Whenever Georgie was on her own the pace slowed. Her lack of self confidence and dependence on the assurance of Callum's affections was annoying. There is an increased focus on their relationship this time which I didn't care for because Georgie acts like a teenager, or younger, the entire time. For example, at one point she makes Callum a bracelet and is afraid to give it to him.
Georgie's insecurities extend beyond romance. I don't remember her being this way in the first book. Her investigative skills are lacking. Tessa is the one leading things and discovering information. Neither one of them are very good with their thought processes though. There is a twist later on which kind of comes out of nowhere and isn't incorporated well.
I enjoyed the magical aspect with the dogs less this time but Euclid the owl is great. I was looking forward to the pirate festival and I feel like it doesn't get enough time or detail at the end.
I know many readers will enjoy Dead Men Wag No Tails.The animals and magical realism will appeal to them and others might enjoy the romance more than I did. Unfortunately this mystery just didn't work for me.
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!
June 12, 2025
"Dead Men Wag No Tails (Magical Menagerie Mystery #2)" by Sarah Fox is more cozy romance with some mystery. Georgie is officially living in Twilight Cove and her boyfriend is just returning to work at the animal sanctuary her aunt owns. Georgie is very focused on figuring out how to tell him she really likes him and not getting hurt at the same time. Being an ex-pro baseball player he's rich, athletic and handsome. Plus he's adorable when working with the animals. Especially when her new kitten likes to ride around on his shoulders while be works. So cozy romance territory there.
Now for the mystery. It's time for a pirate themed festival in town, despite no proven ties to pirates in the area. One individual is super into the pirate theme. Unfortunately, their flaunting of a possible pirate map is the end of them. Georgie ends up with his pirate talking parrot for a while. She also gets pulled into doing a side investigation since she found his body and can't let it go. I feel like it was a smidge of a leap to get to who the culprit was if it wasn't for the main clue that exposed them. I think I either missed something other than that clue that helped pointed to them.
Now for the mystery. It's time for a pirate themed festival in town, despite no proven ties to pirates in the area. One individual is super into the pirate theme. Unfortunately, their flaunting of a possible pirate map is the end of them. Georgie ends up with his pirate talking parrot for a while. She also gets pulled into doing a side investigation since she found his body and can't let it go. I feel like it was a smidge of a leap to get to who the culprit was if it wasn't for the main clue that exposed them. I think I either missed something other than that clue that helped pointed to them.
January 7, 2025
Good addition to the series. I love the setting and the magical creatures, especially the owl. I am not a fan of talking animals, which this does not have, but there are quite a few times where their input is voiced and it got to be a little much after a while. The mystery was interesting and complex, which was nice, but the romance was a little heavy-handed. I did enjoy learning more about Callum through baseball but Georgie seemed to defer more to him in this one than in the first one and she seems to have retreated more into a shell, unable to do things on her own. Hoping to see more of the spunky Georgie from the first one.
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #DreamscapeMedia, and #SevernHouse for an honest review,
I received a copy from #NetGalley, #DreamscapeMedia, and #SevernHouse for an honest review,
March 30, 2025
Dead Men Wag No Tails ticked a lot of charm-factor boxes with protagonist Georgie, an author, and her super cute doggy duo (with special powers) living and working at her aunt’s animal sanctuary in a coastal small-town setting. This being the second title in the Magical Menagerie Mystery series, her romance with a retired sports star opting for a quieter life working at the sanctuary has already been established but remains relatively chaste.
While Dead Men Wag No Tails was a sweet and relaxing listening experience (Hallie Bee Bard’s narration is clear with Hallmark-style pacing), I did not find this story’s premise or plot as compelling as her novel Wine and Punishment. Some of the characters’ motivations did not feel quite as strong. I also think this novel’s narrative would have benefited from a tougher edit. For example, the mention of routine peripheral actions that could easily have been left unsaid broke my engagement on occasion.
That said, both of these Sarah Fox cozy mysteries yielded several hours of enjoyable relaxation and proved fantastic palate cleansers between some of the more complex and emotionally impactful titles on my reading pile.
While Dead Men Wag No Tails was a sweet and relaxing listening experience (Hallie Bee Bard’s narration is clear with Hallmark-style pacing), I did not find this story’s premise or plot as compelling as her novel Wine and Punishment. Some of the characters’ motivations did not feel quite as strong. I also think this novel’s narrative would have benefited from a tougher edit. For example, the mention of routine peripheral actions that could easily have been left unsaid broke my engagement on occasion.
That said, both of these Sarah Fox cozy mysteries yielded several hours of enjoyable relaxation and proved fantastic palate cleansers between some of the more complex and emotionally impactful titles on my reading pile.
February 27, 2025
*****I received this free audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I really loved this book. I wanted to read it Becky the dogs on the cover. As a dog lover this was the perfect cozy murder mystery. The 2 dogs play a good part in the story along with a kitten and an African Gray Parrot. The narrator of the audiobook was fun to listen to.
I really loved this book. I wanted to read it Becky the dogs on the cover. As a dog lover this was the perfect cozy murder mystery. The 2 dogs play a good part in the story along with a kitten and an African Gray Parrot. The narrator of the audiobook was fun to listen to.
December 31, 2025
Another cute installment, I read the third one so long ago now I can’t remember if Georgie was still so incredibly insecure. If she can’t get past that I’m not sure I’m gonna be able to keep up with her constantly second guessing this perfectly written by a woman man.
Other than that the dogs were hilarious as always and the addition of gizmo gave a few chuckles as well.
Other than that the dogs were hilarious as always and the addition of gizmo gave a few chuckles as well.
July 16, 2025
I'm so glad I started reading this series. It's so fun and bingeable, and I love all the animals, especially our two magical pups!
January 2, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Dead Men Don't Wag Their Tails animal sanctuary setting. Also, how the author creates vivid images with her descriptive storytelling, making it easy to become immersed in the cozy atmosphere. All in all, the combination of mystery and warmth, as well as the likeable characters, make for an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2024
Paranormal Cozy Mystery about a screenwriter who moves to Oregon to work at her aunt's animal sanctuary as she turns sleuth after a pirate fanatic and treasure hunter is found murdered.
4/5 stars: This is the second entry in Fox's Magical Menagerie Mystery series which is a Paranormal Cozy Mystery that is set in Oregon and features a screenwriter who also helps her aunt run her animal sanctuary. Her summer plans of helping out with the annual Dead Eye Days pirate festival are complicated after she and her aunt discover a pirate fanatic stabbed to death after publicly declaring his possession of a famous pirate's treasure map. With her magical dogs beside her and the mysterious great-horned owl keeping a watchful eye on them, she soon finds herself turning sleuth to uncover the killer before they strike again. With plenty of twists and turns, Fox has deftly crafted a mystery that balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Fox's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Georgie's great and I love getting to catch up with her Auntie O and the Twilight Cove townsfolk. Also I really like seeing her relationship with Callum continue to grow. Oh and of course one mustn't forget Georgie's adorable dogs, Flossie and Fancy, and Euclid, the owl plus the new addition of Star, the kitten, as well as the sanctuary menagerie. The paranormal elements are light, mainly revolving around the dogs and the owl who have special magical abilities. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Murder Most Owl.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Severn House in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
4/5 stars: This is the second entry in Fox's Magical Menagerie Mystery series which is a Paranormal Cozy Mystery that is set in Oregon and features a screenwriter who also helps her aunt run her animal sanctuary. Her summer plans of helping out with the annual Dead Eye Days pirate festival are complicated after she and her aunt discover a pirate fanatic stabbed to death after publicly declaring his possession of a famous pirate's treasure map. With her magical dogs beside her and the mysterious great-horned owl keeping a watchful eye on them, she soon finds herself turning sleuth to uncover the killer before they strike again. With plenty of twists and turns, Fox has deftly crafted a mystery that balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Fox's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Georgie's great and I love getting to catch up with her Auntie O and the Twilight Cove townsfolk. Also I really like seeing her relationship with Callum continue to grow. Oh and of course one mustn't forget Georgie's adorable dogs, Flossie and Fancy, and Euclid, the owl plus the new addition of Star, the kitten, as well as the sanctuary menagerie. The paranormal elements are light, mainly revolving around the dogs and the owl who have special magical abilities. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Murder Most Owl.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Severn House in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
November 1, 2024
“ Dead Men Wag No Tails” by Sarah Fox is the 2nd instalment in the "Magical Menagerie Mystery series”. What a great sequel to book one! Once again Sarah Fox has a winner on her hands and I can’t wait for book 3. Sarah’s books are an automatic preorder even without reading the blurb on what the book is about, I just writing style. I’m hoping there will be more of her other series in 2025. (Sweet Confections series, Literary Pub Mystery series as well as the Pancake House Mystery series)
I loved it! I really enjoyed visiting Twilight Cove, Oregon and the animal sanctuary again especially during the annual Dead Eye Days pirate festival. Sarah is very good at descriptive writing so you feel like you’re right there walking amongst the woods, on the beach or walking main street and seeing the picturesque stores. I know I would love to live there and be part of Georgie’s friend group.
Who wouldn’t want to hang out with two magical dogs named Fancy and Flossie, a great horned owl named Euclid, and now an adorable kitten named Stardust, or all the Sanctuary animals. Another thing I enjoy is the relationship between Georgie and her aunt Olivia, her bff Tessa and the budding romance with Callum.
I wasn't surprised by what happened to Jasper once the cat was out of the bag with respect to his treasure map. Having all those suspects drew me in and I had to find out what happened to him and the treasure map!
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Georgie did.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Severn House and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved it! I really enjoyed visiting Twilight Cove, Oregon and the animal sanctuary again especially during the annual Dead Eye Days pirate festival. Sarah is very good at descriptive writing so you feel like you’re right there walking amongst the woods, on the beach or walking main street and seeing the picturesque stores. I know I would love to live there and be part of Georgie’s friend group.
Who wouldn’t want to hang out with two magical dogs named Fancy and Flossie, a great horned owl named Euclid, and now an adorable kitten named Stardust, or all the Sanctuary animals. Another thing I enjoy is the relationship between Georgie and her aunt Olivia, her bff Tessa and the budding romance with Callum.
I wasn't surprised by what happened to Jasper once the cat was out of the bag with respect to his treasure map. Having all those suspects drew me in and I had to find out what happened to him and the treasure map!
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Georgie did.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Severn House and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 24, 2025
This was a fun, paranormal, cozy mystery with a big dash of romance. I have not read the first book in the series, but it was easy to jump in here. Georgie is a successful screenwriter who has moved to a small coastal town to help her aunt run her farm filled with animals, some of them seemingly magical.
There's a pirate festival and a treasure map that someone will go to terrible lengths to obtain. Georgie will rely on the help of her two magical dogs, her friend Tessa, and her love interest, Callum, to solve the crime.
I am a paranormal cozy mystery fan, and if you tell me there will be magical animals, I am in! I especially love the enigmatic ones that leave the human characters to interpret their unusual but purposeful behaviors, and we get that here. Georgie inherited two dogs with special abilities she is trying to understand as other magical animals are showing up, including an owl and, in this one, a parrot and an adorable kitten. I will be curious as Georgie is to find out in future books why the animals on this patch of land are so uniquely gifted and some of the other metaphysical happenings in town.
The characters are engaging, and the mystery is intriguing, with some fun little twists. There is a romance subplot between Georgie and Callum, and a fair amount of time is devoted to exploring that.
Hallie Bee Bard does a great job bringing the characters and story to life. She makes each character distinct, and her voice is very easy to listen to. She was an excellent fit for this escapist, cozy mystery! She really brought out the charm of the story!
Thank you to Libro.fm and Severn House Publishers for the gifted audiobook
There's a pirate festival and a treasure map that someone will go to terrible lengths to obtain. Georgie will rely on the help of her two magical dogs, her friend Tessa, and her love interest, Callum, to solve the crime.
I am a paranormal cozy mystery fan, and if you tell me there will be magical animals, I am in! I especially love the enigmatic ones that leave the human characters to interpret their unusual but purposeful behaviors, and we get that here. Georgie inherited two dogs with special abilities she is trying to understand as other magical animals are showing up, including an owl and, in this one, a parrot and an adorable kitten. I will be curious as Georgie is to find out in future books why the animals on this patch of land are so uniquely gifted and some of the other metaphysical happenings in town.
The characters are engaging, and the mystery is intriguing, with some fun little twists. There is a romance subplot between Georgie and Callum, and a fair amount of time is devoted to exploring that.
Hallie Bee Bard does a great job bringing the characters and story to life. She makes each character distinct, and her voice is very easy to listen to. She was an excellent fit for this escapist, cozy mystery! She really brought out the charm of the story!
Thank you to Libro.fm and Severn House Publishers for the gifted audiobook
January 4, 2025
This was a fun cozy mystery that kept me guessing until nearly the end. I was disappointed that Euclid was such a strong character in the first book and he seems merely an afterthought in this one, showing up less than a handful of times. He is an integral part of what makes this series a magical menagerie.
Georgie Johansen is officially settling into the town of Twilight Cove on the Oregon coast. Her screenwriting career is going well, as is her budding relationship with farm manager Callum and her growing friendships around town. The town is preparing for its annual Dead Eye Days, a pirate festival. When a pirate aficionado announces he has a treasure map at the Dead Eye Days festival meeting, the group seems to dismiss the claims as mere fantasy. Unfortunately, the same person ends up murdered and the map missing. While some think it's a wild goose chase, others feel there may actually be treasure. What is crystal clear after a series of further crimes related to said map, someone does not want the treasure found.
One reason I like cozy series is because of the solid character relationships important to the plot. The addition of the African Grey parrot, Gizmo, adds some additional humor to the story. Georgie seems like a character you'd want to be friends with, which is something I look for in a protagonist. Her delightful spaniels and colorful supporting characters make this book a joy to read.
I do sincerely hope to see more of these books in the future.
My thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
Georgie Johansen is officially settling into the town of Twilight Cove on the Oregon coast. Her screenwriting career is going well, as is her budding relationship with farm manager Callum and her growing friendships around town. The town is preparing for its annual Dead Eye Days, a pirate festival. When a pirate aficionado announces he has a treasure map at the Dead Eye Days festival meeting, the group seems to dismiss the claims as mere fantasy. Unfortunately, the same person ends up murdered and the map missing. While some think it's a wild goose chase, others feel there may actually be treasure. What is crystal clear after a series of further crimes related to said map, someone does not want the treasure found.
One reason I like cozy series is because of the solid character relationships important to the plot. The addition of the African Grey parrot, Gizmo, adds some additional humor to the story. Georgie seems like a character you'd want to be friends with, which is something I look for in a protagonist. Her delightful spaniels and colorful supporting characters make this book a joy to read.
I do sincerely hope to see more of these books in the future.
My thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
November 18, 2024
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
A legend of pirate treasure always stirs the quest for instant fortune in most of us. An old treasure map is found near Twilight Cove and the whole town seems to want to get in on the action. Suddenly, however, some of the towns folk seem to disappear without a trace. Is there a killer in the town who wants to keep the treasure?
Georgie has been a private sleuth all of her life. She tends to be a bit of a pain and has been told to leave the investigations and crime solving to the professionals. Trouble is, her inquisitive mind will not allow her to stand back and watch.
This story is a testament to the dangers of not letting the police investigate and solve crimes. As the story develops there are serious episodes of people suddenly going missing. Is Georgie putting herself in danger by not keeping out of the investigation and minding her own business? This book examines the motivation, risks and dangers of treasure hunting. Enjoy this tale! 4 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are my own.
A legend of pirate treasure always stirs the quest for instant fortune in most of us. An old treasure map is found near Twilight Cove and the whole town seems to want to get in on the action. Suddenly, however, some of the towns folk seem to disappear without a trace. Is there a killer in the town who wants to keep the treasure?
Georgie has been a private sleuth all of her life. She tends to be a bit of a pain and has been told to leave the investigations and crime solving to the professionals. Trouble is, her inquisitive mind will not allow her to stand back and watch.
This story is a testament to the dangers of not letting the police investigate and solve crimes. As the story develops there are serious episodes of people suddenly going missing. Is Georgie putting herself in danger by not keeping out of the investigation and minding her own business? This book examines the motivation, risks and dangers of treasure hunting. Enjoy this tale! 4 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are my own.
December 10, 2024
Dead Men Wag No Tails is the second book in the Magical Menagerie Mystery series by Sarah Fox. Georgie Johansen is back and settling into her life in Twilight Cove. She is happy to be working at her Auntie O's animal sanctuary waiting for her new boyfriend Callum to return. The town is preparing for the annual Dead Eye Days pirate festival. Excitement is drummed up town resident Jasper turns ups to a meeting claiming to have an actual map to the mythical pirate treasure. The hunt for treasure unfortunately becomes the hunt for a murderer when Jasper is found dead. Georgie with her mysteriously magical pups and owl, Euclid, set out to uncover who committed this crime.
This is such a fun series. I love cozy mysteries but my favorites have a little bit of magic involved. I really like how lightly it is used in these books. My other favorite thing is when our main character is dating someone that is not a cop. I really like Georgie and Callum's relationship. Sarah is setting up an interesting future conversation when Georgie finally has to find a way to explain that her dogs and owl have powers. The mystery in this one was very good with some nice twists. I look forward to reading future installments of this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a fun series. I love cozy mysteries but my favorites have a little bit of magic involved. I really like how lightly it is used in these books. My other favorite thing is when our main character is dating someone that is not a cop. I really like Georgie and Callum's relationship. Sarah is setting up an interesting future conversation when Georgie finally has to find a way to explain that her dogs and owl have powers. The mystery in this one was very good with some nice twists. I look forward to reading future installments of this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2025
Dead Men Wag No Tails is the 2nd book in Sarah Fox's Magical Menagerie Mystery series and it is an enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery with wonderful characters and a mystery that kept me guessing. The paranormal element is that the two dogs and the owl help Georgie Johansen find clues with their magical abilities. It adds a little fun to the story and they keep Georgie safe. There is a pirate festival going on in town and it's bringing in a lot of tourists. A local brags about having a treasure map and then he ends up dead. Georgie is dating Callum, the farm manager. They weren't dating long when their work interrupted their relationship but they are reunited. I love the clean romance and their budding relationship. Georgie, her best friend Tessa, Georgie's Aunt Olivia, Callum, the dogs Flossie and Fancy, and Euclid the owl, all work together to solve the murder and the pirate treasure mystery. I love Sarah Fox's other series and this is another auto-read for me. I really enjoyed it! I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley and Severn House and I voluntarily leave this review. #DeadMenWagNoTails #MagicalMenagerieMystery #SevernHouse
January 6, 2026
This is fast becoming a favorite series for me. Author Sarah Fox keeps everything moving along at a brisk but easy-to-follow pace. She deftly maneuvers the characters from sleuthing to romance to just existing - that last bit being the foundation of the series thus far. This feels like a lived-in world, and everything is the better for it. While a cozy mystery, never does the author disregard the weight of a murder in a small town - the grief felt by all characters is mentioned throughout, and I applaud her for doing so.
I have some quibbles with some parts of this entry: some of the romance grated on me a little, so of the resolution felt a little over-plotted in my opinion. My only out and out complaint was that this entry dips a little further into out-and-out magic than the first book did. While I loved the magical element of the first book (and most of it in this one!), it began to introduce more intentional witchcraft, a deviation from the unexplainable, mysterious magic of the first book. I worry that if this series continues in that direction, it will undercut the grounded nature of the mysteries.
I have some quibbles with some parts of this entry: some of the romance grated on me a little, so of the resolution felt a little over-plotted in my opinion. My only out and out complaint was that this entry dips a little further into out-and-out magic than the first book did. While I loved the magical element of the first book (and most of it in this one!), it began to introduce more intentional witchcraft, a deviation from the unexplainable, mysterious magic of the first book. I worry that if this series continues in that direction, it will undercut the grounded nature of the mysteries.
December 30, 2024
Dead Men Wag No Tails is the 2nd book in Sarah Fox's Magical Menagerie Mystery series. This paranormal cozy takes place in coastal Twilight Cove, Oregon and follows Georgie, a screenwriter who also helps her aunt run an animal sanctuary. Georgie has recently made a permanent move to Oregon and is reconnecting with her old bestie and exploring a new romantic relationship. The town is gearing up for Dead Eye Days, a pirate festival but things turn deadly when the town's biggest pirate fan turns up dead after announcing they discovered a famous pirate's treasure map.
Unfortunately Georgie finds the body, so she's pulled into the mystery and gets to sleuthing with the help of some magical animals. There is lots of developments and twists that come up and they keep the reader guessing. There's also a side mystery where Georgie is trying to discover the origins of her pets abilities. She doesn't come up with any solid answers yet, but she does find something very special in the process.
I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next one.
Unfortunately Georgie finds the body, so she's pulled into the mystery and gets to sleuthing with the help of some magical animals. There is lots of developments and twists that come up and they keep the reader guessing. There's also a side mystery where Georgie is trying to discover the origins of her pets abilities. She doesn't come up with any solid answers yet, but she does find something very special in the process.
I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next one.
January 21, 2025
The audiobook is well narrated and there are some very nice descriptions in the writing. The mystery itself is interesting.
However, this book was such a disappointment for me. I really liked the first in the series. This one spent most of the book in the protagonist’s head as she worried about her budding romance - did he feel the same way? Why would he like her when he was a professional baseball player with so many fans? Was she falling too fast?, etc. Drove me batty. Was it a word count issue - needing to plump up the pages? Most of it could have been cut. Plus they had chaste kisses at the end of the evening and went their separate ways (on the same property), then complained that they don’t spend enough time together… highly unrealistic: These are adults in their 30s! It seems to now be targeted for a YA or teen audience.
I suppose there is a third book in the works because if your magical dogs find an orphaned kitten in a cave, near where the magical dogs were found, I expect the kitten to have magical powers too. But I doubt I’ll be reading any more in this series to find out. 2.5 rounded up so as not to discourage the new target audience.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook for review purposes.
However, this book was such a disappointment for me. I really liked the first in the series. This one spent most of the book in the protagonist’s head as she worried about her budding romance - did he feel the same way? Why would he like her when he was a professional baseball player with so many fans? Was she falling too fast?, etc. Drove me batty. Was it a word count issue - needing to plump up the pages? Most of it could have been cut. Plus they had chaste kisses at the end of the evening and went their separate ways (on the same property), then complained that they don’t spend enough time together… highly unrealistic: These are adults in their 30s! It seems to now be targeted for a YA or teen audience.
I suppose there is a third book in the works because if your magical dogs find an orphaned kitten in a cave, near where the magical dogs were found, I expect the kitten to have magical powers too. But I doubt I’ll be reading any more in this series to find out. 2.5 rounded up so as not to discourage the new target audience.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook for review purposes.
January 10, 2025
DEAD MEN WAG NO TAILS is the second book in the Magical Menagerie Mysteries by Sarah Fox. A pirate festival, check! A map to buried treasure? Yes, please! Magical dogs who are adorable on their own? Absolutely! This newest release checks all the boxes for an entertaining cozy mystery romp along the Oregon coastal town of Twilight Cove. Georgie Johansen, her two dogs, Flossie and Fancie, along with a guardian great-horned owl, have another mystery to solve with the help of Georgie’s best friend, Tessa, involving a missing pirate treasure map. There are twists to keep the reader guessing, and clues to follow for sharp armchair detectives. I was provided with an advance audiobook copy thanks to Dreamscape Media. The narrator, Hallie Bee Bard, did an excellent job bringing all the characters to life and capturing their individual personalities. I especially liked her rendition of Flossie and Fancy!
December 17, 2024
Georgie lives in a small coastal town in Oregon and helps her aunt with her animal rescue farm. She also is a screenwriter, so she’s able to work from her new home. Georgie has two very special dogs with unusual abilities, an owl that shows up to assist her, and a newly adopted kitten. Her life is full with friends, the animals, and a blossoming relationship with the farm manager.
The town is getting ready to celebrate pirate days, even though there is doubt whether the pirates made it that far north. When a pirate map is found, whether it is authentic and whether there really is a pirate treasure provokes deep feelings. After a death and the disappearance of the map, Georgie and her friends are on the hunt for the murderer.
The animals are adorable and the mystery has plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the ARC..
The town is getting ready to celebrate pirate days, even though there is doubt whether the pirates made it that far north. When a pirate map is found, whether it is authentic and whether there really is a pirate treasure provokes deep feelings. After a death and the disappearance of the map, Georgie and her friends are on the hunt for the murderer.
The animals are adorable and the mystery has plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the ARC..
January 5, 2025
When I read the first book last year, it took me no time at all to fall in love with these characters and the setting, so it was like meeting up with old friends again when I read this book. I love that Georgie's smart and self-assured (in most things) but she's not afraid to ask anyone when she needs with something. Those sweet dogs are amazing like their owl friend Euclid. And a visiting parrot seemed to hold the key to something important with the murder case.
I was glad to see Georgie and Callum growing closer and that she was feeling more confident that he was actually happy with her. The ending was really sweet and since they talked about a Halloween themed event coming up, I hope that's the theme of the next book! It should be tons of fun!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Severn House via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I was glad to see Georgie and Callum growing closer and that she was feeling more confident that he was actually happy with her. The ending was really sweet and since they talked about a Halloween themed event coming up, I hope that's the theme of the next book! It should be tons of fun!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Severn House via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
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