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Bought-the-Farm Mystery #1
Dogcatcher in the Rye: Bought-the-Farm Mystery, Book 1
Turning a hobby farm into a country inn is a piece of cake compared to solving a murder.
Ivy Galloway may not know an alpaca from a llama, but nothing’s going to stop her from pursuing her dream of opening a farm-themed inn in her hometown of Clover Grove. Not after what she went through to flee the big city with her brilliant rescue dog, Keats.
However, when Keats finds someone pushing up daisies in Ivy's rye field, murder puts a blight on her plans to welcome guests. Worse, Ivy's high school boyfriend—now the chief of police—considers her a suspect.
To clear her name, Ivy starts digging up clues. The former HR exec is no stranger to interviewing, and Keats is a dog who loves a job. Every step takes them closer to a secret that could rock her ambitions to the core and put her big, quirky family at risk.
Solving the case is the only option, especially when the killer strikes even closer to home.
Join novice hobby farmer Ivy Galloway and sheepdog Keats as they wrangle rescue animals and ruthless killers in the first book of this clean cozy mystery series for animal lovers. Bought-the-Farm Mysteries are perfect for listeners who love heartwarming hilarity with a hint of homicide.
Ivy Galloway may not know an alpaca from a llama, but nothing’s going to stop her from pursuing her dream of opening a farm-themed inn in her hometown of Clover Grove. Not after what she went through to flee the big city with her brilliant rescue dog, Keats.
However, when Keats finds someone pushing up daisies in Ivy's rye field, murder puts a blight on her plans to welcome guests. Worse, Ivy's high school boyfriend—now the chief of police—considers her a suspect.
To clear her name, Ivy starts digging up clues. The former HR exec is no stranger to interviewing, and Keats is a dog who loves a job. Every step takes them closer to a secret that could rock her ambitions to the core and put her big, quirky family at risk.
Solving the case is the only option, especially when the killer strikes even closer to home.
Join novice hobby farmer Ivy Galloway and sheepdog Keats as they wrangle rescue animals and ruthless killers in the first book of this clean cozy mystery series for animal lovers. Bought-the-Farm Mysteries are perfect for listeners who love heartwarming hilarity with a hint of homicide.
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First published March 22, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
February 11, 2025
Another fun read, and one to mark off my "Have The Book - TBR" Goals list.
May 24, 2023
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end! Action packed! Loved the smart dog and the protagonist! I’m looking forward to reading this series.
April 17, 2025
The reviews really steered me wrong. The writing could use some help.
February 9, 2022
Make sure to read the prequel (got free with link at beginning of the book) or you will have no clue what is referred to during the book.
July 7, 2020
Dogcatcher In The Rye
Bought-the-FarmMystery, Book #1
Ellen Riggs
5 Stars
Synopsis:
*Turning a hobby farm into a quaint country inn is a piece of cake compared to solving a murder.*
Ivy Galloway may not know an alpaca from a llama, but nothing’s going to stop her from pursuing her dream of opening a farm-themed inn in her hometown of Clover Grove. Not after what she went through to rescue Keats, her brilliant border collie, and flee the big city.
When Keats finds a body pushing up daisies in her rye field, however, the murder puts a blight on Ivy’s plans to welcome her first official guests in just three weeks. The police chief refuses to rush his investigation. Does he really believe she's a suspect or is he just holding a grudge over what happened in high school?
To clear her name, Ivy starts digging up clues. The former HR exec is no stranger to interviewing, and Keats is a dog who loves a job. As she juggles sleuthing with getting the inn ready to launch, she almost reaches the end of her tether. With her beloved farm’s very future on the line can she solve the case before the killer comes after her next?
Dogcatcher in the Rye is perfect for animal-lovers, and anyone who likes curling up with a fun, fast-paced cozy mystery. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Ivy is a hard working smart lady who is so excited to be running a farm themed inn, and she will do anything she can to be sure that it is a success. Even if that includes finding a killer. Between her and her dog, Keats, she is determined to find that killer and bring him to justice.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions kept me engaged throughout the entire book. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I was not completely sure who the killer was until the reveal.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I really like this series and I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.
Bought-the-FarmMystery, Book #1
Ellen Riggs
5 Stars
Synopsis:
*Turning a hobby farm into a quaint country inn is a piece of cake compared to solving a murder.*
Ivy Galloway may not know an alpaca from a llama, but nothing’s going to stop her from pursuing her dream of opening a farm-themed inn in her hometown of Clover Grove. Not after what she went through to rescue Keats, her brilliant border collie, and flee the big city.
When Keats finds a body pushing up daisies in her rye field, however, the murder puts a blight on Ivy’s plans to welcome her first official guests in just three weeks. The police chief refuses to rush his investigation. Does he really believe she's a suspect or is he just holding a grudge over what happened in high school?
To clear her name, Ivy starts digging up clues. The former HR exec is no stranger to interviewing, and Keats is a dog who loves a job. As she juggles sleuthing with getting the inn ready to launch, she almost reaches the end of her tether. With her beloved farm’s very future on the line can she solve the case before the killer comes after her next?
Dogcatcher in the Rye is perfect for animal-lovers, and anyone who likes curling up with a fun, fast-paced cozy mystery. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Ivy is a hard working smart lady who is so excited to be running a farm themed inn, and she will do anything she can to be sure that it is a success. Even if that includes finding a killer. Between her and her dog, Keats, she is determined to find that killer and bring him to justice.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions kept me engaged throughout the entire book. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I was not completely sure who the killer was until the reveal.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I really like this series and I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.
February 7, 2023
Ivy is excited to open her new B&B on her recently purchased hobby farm in her home town of Clover Grove. She likes the small town charm but not so much the nosy neighbors and overdose of pie. What she hates even more is the dog catcher, Lloyd Boyce, who informs Ivy a neighbor has complained about Ivy's rescue Border Collie Keats attacking her chickens! Ivy knows Keats was just trying to do his job as a herding dog and is merely unfamiliar with chickens. He'd never actually hurt them. Lloyd slaps Ivy with a fine and threatens to take away Keats if she can't contain him. Ivy is outraged and it turns out she's not alone. Lloyd has been terrorizing the town's dog owners and taking away dogs from their loving homes, traumatizing their humans. When Keats discovers Lloyd lying dead in the rye field, Ivy becomes a murder suspect! She knows she never did any such thing and if the police don't catch who did it, her grand opening, with her ex-boss and his employees, is doomed! Ivy sets out to find the murderer before word gets back to Boston. Can she and Keats sniff out a killer? Will she discover a darker side of Clover Grove?
This is shaping up to be a cute series. I read the Mischief in Dog Town - The Complete Series series so I'm familiar with Hannah Pemberton and the farm animals. I was curious about how Ivy got the farm because Hannah seemed to love it. I had forgotten what happened with her but luckily Ivy gossips with the other townspeople and catches the reader up to speed. I also read A Dog with Two Tales which introduced me to Ivy and Keats so naturally I had to keep going! I love this cozy world in spite of the darker side which I am aware of from the Dog Town series. The mystery was tight enough that I missed the clues and never guessed whodunit. I was thinking someone else and I was in the right direction but wrong. Ivy missed the clues so I'd have to go back and see if I actually did miss it or it wasn't stated. There's also a food element of this series and some recipes in the back. YES! Dogs and food are my cozy subjects. My only major complaint is that there are WAY too many characters to keep track of!
I really like Ivy. She has a big heart and her bond with Keats is truly special. I agreed with everything she had to say about him and their bond. She is rather naïve when it comes to criminal behavior and how close she came to death. She can make it into a big deal when she wants but usually shrugs it off. I find myself liking her because she's not perfect. She makes a lot of mistakes, she's stubborn but she is also super caring. She cares about the animals, the town and the people, including her siblings. Keats is the best! I have met crazy smart Border Collies and large herding dogs. My fur niece is a Cattle Dog X and while she's not that smart, she's sweet and loving and a great babysitter. She'd never, ever willingly hurt anyone. Keats is exactly the same way. I love how he communicates with Ivy and again, I have had a furry family member who ALWAYS let us know what was on her mind and had conversations "Aroooo!" so I absolutely buy that Keats understands English and his grumblings and mumblings are speaking back to Ivy. He's loyal to Ivy, after all she saved his life, and would do anything for her. If Lloyd did try to take Keats away, I'm sure the Rescue Mafia would step in and help. Ivy is curiously reluctant to call on them just yet but the situation seems to warrant it.
Ivy's brother Ash is a police officer on the force after a childhood spent doing mischief. He's a good guy, kind like Ivy and loyal to his family but not the sharpest tack in the tool shed. He's sweet and shouldn't change. Maybe he can come work for Ivy instead of constantly being reassigned every time someone dies on her farm! Older sister Daisy is rather bossy and not always pleasant. She's the harried mother of two sets of twins. The younger twins, now in high school, are pretty horrible. Daisy finds the time to help Ivy fix up the house and doesn't lecture Ivy too much. Daisy runs interference between their mom and Ivy. Ivy loves her sister even if they don't always see eye to eye.
Lloyd was a power hungry jerk. He was a creep in high school and Ivy refused his offer of a date. I wonder if he held a grudge and was motivated to be extra mean to Ivy because of it? He was no prize as an adult either. Lloyd was clearly an egomaniac and abusing his authority.
Kellan Harper, the officer in charge of the murder case, just so happens to be Ivy's ex-boyfriend. He doesn't seem like he's over the hurt from long ago. He does still care about Ivy, whether as a fellow human he doesn't want to see hurt or something more, remains to be seen. He's stubborn and tough when he needs to be but I can not forgive him for threatening the one person Ivy holds most dear in the world.
Mandy McCain is the local baker. I was drooling over her simple, homemade treats. I am sure the Inn guests would love them. Mandy is sweet. She's shy and sheltered, never having left Clover Grove. She works out of her grandma's country store, apparently a catch-all grocery/convenience store. Apparently the land is worth a fortune to developers but she refuses to sell. A ha! A motive for Lloyd's murder. Was he involved in a shady development deal and got killed because Myrtle McCain refused to sell? Myrtle seems like a sweet old lady and deserves to live out the rest of her days working in the store her father owned before her and his father before that. Butt out county!
Margie Hodgson and husband, Fred, regulars at the lunch counter at Mrs. McCain's store, had a run-in with Lloyd. Margie's beloved dog was taken away and she's been traumatized ever since. There was no love lost between Margie and Lloyd but she seems so nice! She loves dogs and like Ivy, I don't think a dog lover could be a killer. Fred is more indifferent to the political power plays going on in town. He just likes to do his crossword and eat.
Edna Evans is Ivy's nasty neighbor. She's beyond nosy and into creepy stalker category. She doesn't seem to like dogs or appreciate the help Keats has given her. I don't think she likes Ivy for whatever reason and is determined to get rid of Ivy, Keats and the farm. With neighbors like her who needs enemies?
Ivy sets her sights on Nadie Boyce as the murderer. Lloyd's estranged wife has wanted a divorce for awhile but he wouldn't sign. Did she finally decide to get rid of him? I don't think so because she's VERY image conscious and her livelihood depends on her having a good reputation so people trust her to sell their homes. I think she could have killed Lloyd in the heat of the moment but not in the rye field because she doesn't dress for farm life!
I would rather suspect Brian, a weird non-dog guy. He's socially awkward, nerdy and unfriendly. He doesn't like Keats! What about the guy with the creepy scorpion tattoo, Graham? Well he turns out to be kind of a surprise.
Charlie, Hannah Pemberton's farm hand, is still around. He isn't in the story much but plays a role in the mystery. I still can't get much of a read on him. Tina Hollen, a potential employee, does not seem suited for the farm lifestyle. She says she's versatile but what she means is, she's versatile in the house. I bet she's "versatile" in the sense she can sit at the reception desk and check people in while also checking her phone. Does she have something to do with the murder? She could be Lloyd's type. Joel Carter, on the other hand, sounds wonderful. He's ready and willing to work on the farm but Ivy also needs someone to also work in the house and Joel is not quite so flexible. Neither is Gwen Quinn. An older woman who works several jobs to make ends meet, seems to love dogs and she's strong and capable but I didn't quite warm up to her. We'll see if she proves to be worthy of Keats's approval.
Which one is the murderer?
I'm interested in reading the rest of the series now. I'm attached to the animals from the previous books and hope the humans from the Rescue Mafia show up again too.
This is shaping up to be a cute series. I read the Mischief in Dog Town - The Complete Series series so I'm familiar with Hannah Pemberton and the farm animals. I was curious about how Ivy got the farm because Hannah seemed to love it. I had forgotten what happened with her but luckily Ivy gossips with the other townspeople and catches the reader up to speed. I also read A Dog with Two Tales which introduced me to Ivy and Keats so naturally I had to keep going! I love this cozy world in spite of the darker side which I am aware of from the Dog Town series. The mystery was tight enough that I missed the clues and never guessed whodunit. I was thinking someone else and I was in the right direction but wrong. Ivy missed the clues so I'd have to go back and see if I actually did miss it or it wasn't stated. There's also a food element of this series and some recipes in the back. YES! Dogs and food are my cozy subjects. My only major complaint is that there are WAY too many characters to keep track of!
I really like Ivy. She has a big heart and her bond with Keats is truly special. I agreed with everything she had to say about him and their bond. She is rather naïve when it comes to criminal behavior and how close she came to death. She can make it into a big deal when she wants but usually shrugs it off. I find myself liking her because she's not perfect. She makes a lot of mistakes, she's stubborn but she is also super caring. She cares about the animals, the town and the people, including her siblings. Keats is the best! I have met crazy smart Border Collies and large herding dogs. My fur niece is a Cattle Dog X and while she's not that smart, she's sweet and loving and a great babysitter. She'd never, ever willingly hurt anyone. Keats is exactly the same way. I love how he communicates with Ivy and again, I have had a furry family member who ALWAYS let us know what was on her mind and had conversations "Aroooo!" so I absolutely buy that Keats understands English and his grumblings and mumblings are speaking back to Ivy. He's loyal to Ivy, after all she saved his life, and would do anything for her. If Lloyd did try to take Keats away, I'm sure the Rescue Mafia would step in and help. Ivy is curiously reluctant to call on them just yet but the situation seems to warrant it.
Ivy's brother Ash is a police officer on the force after a childhood spent doing mischief. He's a good guy, kind like Ivy and loyal to his family but not the sharpest tack in the tool shed. He's sweet and shouldn't change. Maybe he can come work for Ivy instead of constantly being reassigned every time someone dies on her farm! Older sister Daisy is rather bossy and not always pleasant. She's the harried mother of two sets of twins. The younger twins, now in high school, are pretty horrible. Daisy finds the time to help Ivy fix up the house and doesn't lecture Ivy too much. Daisy runs interference between their mom and Ivy. Ivy loves her sister even if they don't always see eye to eye.
Lloyd was a power hungry jerk. He was a creep in high school and Ivy refused his offer of a date. I wonder if he held a grudge and was motivated to be extra mean to Ivy because of it? He was no prize as an adult either. Lloyd was clearly an egomaniac and abusing his authority.
Kellan Harper, the officer in charge of the murder case, just so happens to be Ivy's ex-boyfriend. He doesn't seem like he's over the hurt from long ago. He does still care about Ivy, whether as a fellow human he doesn't want to see hurt or something more, remains to be seen. He's stubborn and tough when he needs to be but I can not forgive him for threatening the one person Ivy holds most dear in the world.
Mandy McCain is the local baker. I was drooling over her simple, homemade treats. I am sure the Inn guests would love them. Mandy is sweet. She's shy and sheltered, never having left Clover Grove. She works out of her grandma's country store, apparently a catch-all grocery/convenience store. Apparently the land is worth a fortune to developers but she refuses to sell. A ha! A motive for Lloyd's murder. Was he involved in a shady development deal and got killed because Myrtle McCain refused to sell? Myrtle seems like a sweet old lady and deserves to live out the rest of her days working in the store her father owned before her and his father before that. Butt out county!
Margie Hodgson and husband, Fred, regulars at the lunch counter at Mrs. McCain's store, had a run-in with Lloyd. Margie's beloved dog was taken away and she's been traumatized ever since. There was no love lost between Margie and Lloyd but she seems so nice! She loves dogs and like Ivy, I don't think a dog lover could be a killer. Fred is more indifferent to the political power plays going on in town. He just likes to do his crossword and eat.
Edna Evans is Ivy's nasty neighbor. She's beyond nosy and into creepy stalker category. She doesn't seem to like dogs or appreciate the help Keats has given her. I don't think she likes Ivy for whatever reason and is determined to get rid of Ivy, Keats and the farm. With neighbors like her who needs enemies?
Ivy sets her sights on Nadie Boyce as the murderer. Lloyd's estranged wife has wanted a divorce for awhile but he wouldn't sign. Did she finally decide to get rid of him? I don't think so because she's VERY image conscious and her livelihood depends on her having a good reputation so people trust her to sell their homes. I think she could have killed Lloyd in the heat of the moment but not in the rye field because she doesn't dress for farm life!
I would rather suspect Brian, a weird non-dog guy. He's socially awkward, nerdy and unfriendly. He doesn't like Keats! What about the guy with the creepy scorpion tattoo, Graham? Well he turns out to be kind of a surprise.
Charlie, Hannah Pemberton's farm hand, is still around. He isn't in the story much but plays a role in the mystery. I still can't get much of a read on him. Tina Hollen, a potential employee, does not seem suited for the farm lifestyle. She says she's versatile but what she means is, she's versatile in the house. I bet she's "versatile" in the sense she can sit at the reception desk and check people in while also checking her phone. Does she have something to do with the murder? She could be Lloyd's type. Joel Carter, on the other hand, sounds wonderful. He's ready and willing to work on the farm but Ivy also needs someone to also work in the house and Joel is not quite so flexible. Neither is Gwen Quinn. An older woman who works several jobs to make ends meet, seems to love dogs and she's strong and capable but I didn't quite warm up to her. We'll see if she proves to be worthy of Keats's approval.
Which one is the murderer?
I'm interested in reading the rest of the series now. I'm attached to the animals from the previous books and hope the humans from the Rescue Mafia show up again too.
May 11, 2020
Excellent book! I had read the prequel previously and enjoyed it as well. And although not required to follow the story in this book, I think reading the back story first does help with the enjoyment of this one & understanding the relationship between Ivy & Keats. I'm already looking forward to the next title in the series.
January 10, 2021
A Nice Cozy
This was a nice cozy filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the interesting characters.
This was a nice cozy filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the interesting characters.
March 18, 2021
Fun read
The main character was realistic and relatable. It was a fun read. I would enjoy more stories from this author.
The main character was realistic and relatable. It was a fun read. I would enjoy more stories from this author.
November 4, 2020
Good
Very entertaining read. Interesting, good dialog, visual descriptive good. Look forward to reading the rest. That's all I can say now.
Very entertaining read. Interesting, good dialog, visual descriptive good. Look forward to reading the rest. That's all I can say now.
February 26, 2021
Ivy wants a start a new life where she used to live where her mom and three sisters a brother and a
with her Bordie Collie Keats. Hanna asked Ivy out of blue if she would like to run her farm. So Ivy decided it perfect to make a inn out of barn where you can serve food and see how to take care of cows sheep llamas gens horses and adorable pig. A neighbor calls Animal Control because she thought that Ivy dog Keats was trying to kill her chickens.Ivy realized she knew the animal control man Loyd. They had words. Ivy said that her pup Keats was just needing them like he knows how to do. And other things he can sense. Loyd got murdered in her property. Ivy best friend Jilly came to visit Ivy and help her start her Farm Inn. She serving food. People did could not tolerate Loyd. They said he would seize dogs on purpose and uthinize them. So who really would kill him. Was it over people's pets a ex wife or for another shady reason. I will be reading more of these series
with her Bordie Collie Keats. Hanna asked Ivy out of blue if she would like to run her farm. So Ivy decided it perfect to make a inn out of barn where you can serve food and see how to take care of cows sheep llamas gens horses and adorable pig. A neighbor calls Animal Control because she thought that Ivy dog Keats was trying to kill her chickens.Ivy realized she knew the animal control man Loyd. They had words. Ivy said that her pup Keats was just needing them like he knows how to do. And other things he can sense. Loyd got murdered in her property. Ivy best friend Jilly came to visit Ivy and help her start her Farm Inn. She serving food. People did could not tolerate Loyd. They said he would seize dogs on purpose and uthinize them. So who really would kill him. Was it over people's pets a ex wife or for another shady reason. I will be reading more of these series
June 7, 2020
Love this Series
Just like the first book I read which I think was really a prequel in which Keats, the dog, is rescued by Ivy and Jilly, this story had an exciting adventure which kept my on the edge of my seat. Keats is a very smart dog, there is a bit of romance, and a lot of murder. I never guessed the murderer, a sign of a good cozy murder story in my opinion. I hope to be visiting Clover Grove again real soon!
Just like the first book I read which I think was really a prequel in which Keats, the dog, is rescued by Ivy and Jilly, this story had an exciting adventure which kept my on the edge of my seat. Keats is a very smart dog, there is a bit of romance, and a lot of murder. I never guessed the murderer, a sign of a good cozy murder story in my opinion. I hope to be visiting Clover Grove again real soon!
November 2, 2024
Light easy read. Seems to be a follow up to an earlier book (I didn't know before starting).
Woman returning to her small town to start an inn with her rescue dog is surrounded by neighbors and old high school acquaintances, all of whom seem potential suspects in a murder. Subject matter dark, the protagonist and her dog, not so much.
Woman returning to her small town to start an inn with her rescue dog is surrounded by neighbors and old high school acquaintances, all of whom seem potential suspects in a murder. Subject matter dark, the protagonist and her dog, not so much.
June 18, 2025
ivy si trasferisce dalla città in campagna con l'intento di aprire un bed and breakfast in una vecchia fattoria che recupera animali; insieme a lei un fantastico border collie che capisce gli umani, dialoga a modo suo e ricco di un fiuto per gli indizi niente male, Keats. Per me lui potrebbe essere tranquillamente il personaggio principale.
Ivy fugge dalla città cercando la pace nella sua vecchia cittadina di origine, ma ad un certo punto tutto cambia quando trova il corpo di un uomo ucciso nei suoi campi e diventa una sospettata. Non le rimane che armarsi di coraggio e risolvere il caso da sola o meglio con l'aiuto di Keats.
Nella scelta di questo libro mi sono lasciata tentare dalle pubblicità trovate in giro per i social con volantini a dir poco comici e mi sono detta perché no? Beh è stata una scelta super azzeccata, perché per quanto ci sia un caso di omicidio da risolvere, la storia è molto leggera piena di punti divertenti e punti seri che lasciano da pensare ben armonizzati tra loro.
Penso di aver legato subito con la protagonista se non per il fatto che un po' sta compiendo un mio sogno, ma sicuro per il fatto di parlare con il proprio cane proprio come faccio io.
Ma in questa storia si trovano anche degli aspetti un po' più tendenti al rosa come ad esempio la comparsa di un vecchio amore finito male che forse così finito non è.
Un libro assolutamente da leggere.
Ivy fugge dalla città cercando la pace nella sua vecchia cittadina di origine, ma ad un certo punto tutto cambia quando trova il corpo di un uomo ucciso nei suoi campi e diventa una sospettata. Non le rimane che armarsi di coraggio e risolvere il caso da sola o meglio con l'aiuto di Keats.
Nella scelta di questo libro mi sono lasciata tentare dalle pubblicità trovate in giro per i social con volantini a dir poco comici e mi sono detta perché no? Beh è stata una scelta super azzeccata, perché per quanto ci sia un caso di omicidio da risolvere, la storia è molto leggera piena di punti divertenti e punti seri che lasciano da pensare ben armonizzati tra loro.
Penso di aver legato subito con la protagonista se non per il fatto che un po' sta compiendo un mio sogno, ma sicuro per il fatto di parlare con il proprio cane proprio come faccio io.
Ma in questa storia si trovano anche degli aspetti un po' più tendenti al rosa come ad esempio la comparsa di un vecchio amore finito male che forse così finito non è.
Un libro assolutamente da leggere.
March 2, 2021
What do a dogcatcher, a border collie, a Bostonian, and a farm have in common?
Ellen Riggs, of course! Very entertaining cozy mystery involving a wide variety of appealing and unappealing characters. Dogs have always been my heroes, so I was very happy to have Keats, the border collie, have a significant role in this book. Ivy is fed up with corporate life and the politics involving her career and decides she needs a change. In my opinion, this is a must read mystery.
Get the prequel - A Dog with Two Tales - for free and then read this book and you'll be hooked (pun intended). You'll have to read the book to know what I mean. These books are the beginning of the "Bought-the-Farm series" by Ellen Riggs. Even the names of the books are delightful! Check them out on Amazon.
An important side note: Please leave a review for every book you read. It only takes a couple of minutes and it shows a great deal of support and appreciation for authors.
Ellen Riggs, of course! Very entertaining cozy mystery involving a wide variety of appealing and unappealing characters. Dogs have always been my heroes, so I was very happy to have Keats, the border collie, have a significant role in this book. Ivy is fed up with corporate life and the politics involving her career and decides she needs a change. In my opinion, this is a must read mystery.
Get the prequel - A Dog with Two Tales - for free and then read this book and you'll be hooked (pun intended). You'll have to read the book to know what I mean. These books are the beginning of the "Bought-the-Farm series" by Ellen Riggs. Even the names of the books are delightful! Check them out on Amazon.
An important side note: Please leave a review for every book you read. It only takes a couple of minutes and it shows a great deal of support and appreciation for authors.
March 15, 2021
Coming home
The corporate Grim Reaper returns to her childhood home after buying a hobby farm. The farm is becoming a country inn. Keats, an extraordinary Border collie, at her side, Ivy sets out to change her life.
When the neighbor's chickens stray onto Ivy's and Keats herds them home, the local dogcatcher shows up to hive her a ticket. The next day, Ivy finds his body in her rye field!
The inn is yo open in three weeks. Will the killer be found in time? Will Ivy and her old flame, the police chief, figure out the mystery and resolve their feelings? Will her best friend from the corporate world blend into the country life? And, will the pig learn yo stay in her sty?
The writing is tight and fast-paced. The characters are believable. This is a fun read and the solution eluded my grasp until the end. I highly recommend Dogcatcher in the Rye to those who love mystery, dogs, and a bit of romance.
The corporate Grim Reaper returns to her childhood home after buying a hobby farm. The farm is becoming a country inn. Keats, an extraordinary Border collie, at her side, Ivy sets out to change her life.
When the neighbor's chickens stray onto Ivy's and Keats herds them home, the local dogcatcher shows up to hive her a ticket. The next day, Ivy finds his body in her rye field!
The inn is yo open in three weeks. Will the killer be found in time? Will Ivy and her old flame, the police chief, figure out the mystery and resolve their feelings? Will her best friend from the corporate world blend into the country life? And, will the pig learn yo stay in her sty?
The writing is tight and fast-paced. The characters are believable. This is a fun read and the solution eluded my grasp until the end. I highly recommend Dogcatcher in the Rye to those who love mystery, dogs, and a bit of romance.
January 13, 2023
CHARACTERS
🔲 mary-sue party
🔲 mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
✅ well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional
PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
🔲 nothing memorable
🔲 gripping
✅ exceptional
🔲 mind=blown
WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story
ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
✅ immersive
🔲 you forget you are reading a book
PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
✅ picks up with time
🔲 page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down
Fun little mystery on the slower side.
🔲 mary-sue party
🔲 mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
✅ well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional
PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
🔲 nothing memorable
🔲 gripping
✅ exceptional
🔲 mind=blown
WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story
ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
✅ immersive
🔲 you forget you are reading a book
PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
✅ picks up with time
🔲 page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down
Fun little mystery on the slower side.
May 5, 2021
It has a dog in it!
That's all I need to give it a good review, but the story wasn't bad either! And it's a series. I love series, so when the story is over, it's not really over. I usually read more hard core detective novels, but I'm starting to like cozy murder mysteries now. Must be old age catching up with me lol.
That's all I need to give it a good review, but the story wasn't bad either! And it's a series. I love series, so when the story is over, it's not really over. I usually read more hard core detective novels, but I'm starting to like cozy murder mysteries now. Must be old age catching up with me lol.
December 13, 2020
Really well done quick reading cozy mystery. Not a genre I usually read, or enjoy, but my sister loves them and this one looked good. It was! I liked the protagonist and it was so well put together. I couldn't guess "who done it" and the dog was great.
February 12, 2021
So glad to have found this series. Looking forward to the next one.
December 11, 2024
Nice cozy mystery; the border collie, Keats is, obvious, one of the main characters, along the story teller, Ivy.
References to previous events, described in the prequel (A dog with two tales) are, though, too many to be a little annoying.
References to previous events, described in the prequel (A dog with two tales) are, though, too many to be a little annoying.
July 20, 2021
This book popped up my daily Book Bub suggested books email about the same time I was grousing about having to read "The Catcher in the Rye" as this year's classic book for book club. I thought this one would be more enjoyable. And it was, mostly.
Ivy Galloway has spent her career as the Grim Reaper - an HR executive whose forte is corporate downsizing. But after being the victim of a brutal attack while attempting to rescue a neglected dog, she and said dog return to her small, rural home town of Clover Grove to run a working farm inn. Just three weeks from her first guests, Ivy's plans are threatened when the local dog catcher is found dead on her farm - and she's just one of many with a motive.
The story itself wasn't bad - pretty much your typical cozy novel in which the main character isn't a cop but throws herself into the middle of the investigation and solves the case. Much better than Holden Caulfield's whining about everything at least! But not knowing there is a prequel, I found the references to what happened to Ivy and Keats (the dog) really annoying and kept waiting for that story to be told. (Spoiler alert: that doesn't happen).
Still, it was a quick read and the main characters are likable enough to give the next book a go as well, but I don't see this as a series with a long lifespan. Towns which have more murders than residents have a tendency to become tedious and rather cookie cutter after awhile.
Ivy Galloway has spent her career as the Grim Reaper - an HR executive whose forte is corporate downsizing. But after being the victim of a brutal attack while attempting to rescue a neglected dog, she and said dog return to her small, rural home town of Clover Grove to run a working farm inn. Just three weeks from her first guests, Ivy's plans are threatened when the local dog catcher is found dead on her farm - and she's just one of many with a motive.
The story itself wasn't bad - pretty much your typical cozy novel in which the main character isn't a cop but throws herself into the middle of the investigation and solves the case. Much better than Holden Caulfield's whining about everything at least! But not knowing there is a prequel, I found the references to what happened to Ivy and Keats (the dog) really annoying and kept waiting for that story to be told. (Spoiler alert: that doesn't happen).
Still, it was a quick read and the main characters are likable enough to give the next book a go as well, but I don't see this as a series with a long lifespan. Towns which have more murders than residents have a tendency to become tedious and rather cookie cutter after awhile.
November 28, 2020
A nice cozy with some problems
This is a nice cozy which starts out with a very familiar plot. City girl returns home to a small town to start a new business after a bad experience. She stumbles over a body and her old sweetheart is the local police chief. However the setting, a hobby farm, is different and the main characters are likable. The biggest problem I had with the book were the constant references to events which occurred prior to the beginning of the book without a full explanation. There is a note both at the beginning and end for the reader to sign up for the author's mailing list and get a free copy of the prequal to the story. Sorry, I don't like this kind of draw in. It is like a cliff hanger where you have to buy the next book to find out how the mystery ends. A good book should be able to stand on its own.
This is a nice cozy which starts out with a very familiar plot. City girl returns home to a small town to start a new business after a bad experience. She stumbles over a body and her old sweetheart is the local police chief. However the setting, a hobby farm, is different and the main characters are likable. The biggest problem I had with the book were the constant references to events which occurred prior to the beginning of the book without a full explanation. There is a note both at the beginning and end for the reader to sign up for the author's mailing list and get a free copy of the prequal to the story. Sorry, I don't like this kind of draw in. It is like a cliff hanger where you have to buy the next book to find out how the mystery ends. A good book should be able to stand on its own.
December 1, 2020
Overall a fun read. However I have a major problem re. the dog. More specifically with the way she
portrayed the dog. Even in a fiction book, one should NEVER say a dog is a therapy dog without the
actual training involved. It takes time, money and patience to train a dog to be a CERTIFIED therapy
dog. To say a dog is a therapy dog does a great disservice to those of us who train therapy dogs.
The same goes with saying her dog was an Agility and Herding trained. These sports take TIME,
and it is a problem when an author says the dog is qualified in these sports. Also, where are the cats?
Can't have a farm (rescue, hobby etc) without our feline friends. When the murderer was revealed,
I said, "huh?" Typical, "fish out of water" cozy mystery. Only if future books are free will I read.
portrayed the dog. Even in a fiction book, one should NEVER say a dog is a therapy dog without the
actual training involved. It takes time, money and patience to train a dog to be a CERTIFIED therapy
dog. To say a dog is a therapy dog does a great disservice to those of us who train therapy dogs.
The same goes with saying her dog was an Agility and Herding trained. These sports take TIME,
and it is a problem when an author says the dog is qualified in these sports. Also, where are the cats?
Can't have a farm (rescue, hobby etc) without our feline friends. When the murderer was revealed,
I said, "huh?" Typical, "fish out of water" cozy mystery. Only if future books are free will I read.
February 15, 2024
I’d give it about a 3.5/5? It was cute, but just didn’t grab my attention as much as I wanted it to. For a murder mystery. Definitely had some plot twists and I’ll give the author credit I definitely didn’t see the murderer coming so that was a good twist. A lot of people described it perfectly by saying it was a “cute cozy read” that’s exactly how I would describe it to. Keats was the perfect border collie companion and I loved their companionship because I related with it. Definitely a cute read.
October 7, 2020
Good dog
I enjoyed reading this story. It really did leave me wondering "who did it?"
This was A story. Kept me readi g.very good book to read.
Thank you for writing such an interesting
I enjoyed reading this story. It really did leave me wondering "who did it?"
This was A story. Kept me readi g.very good book to read.
Thank you for writing such an interesting
October 4, 2020
The first in Ellen Riggs "Bought-the-Farm" series and I fell in love instantly. An entertaining and engaging mystery with a great puppy sidekick. Riggs spins a good tale with wonderful characters that makes you want to come back for more.
January 24, 2021
For the "first book in the series", it sure made you ask what? to much reference to the previous events leading up to this point. Some what confusing story line. And I never warmed to the main character's personality. Think I will pass on the rest of the series.
January 5, 2021
Fast read
Fast,but not very interesting. The plot was uninspired. I did not feel like I knew the characters. The scenes were well described.
Fast,but not very interesting. The plot was uninspired. I did not feel like I knew the characters. The scenes were well described.
July 4, 2020
Dogcatcher in the Rye (A Bought-the-Farm Mystery #1) by Ellen Riggs
I wrote this review based on a copy that I received from the author.
Ivy Galloway, who dumped the gruelling life of a corporate HR manager in exchange for the idyllic setting of Runaway Farm , “ an amazing getaway for anyone who wants to escape the concrete jungle. “ Accompanied by Keats, a slim border collie, a shaggy black and white dog with one blue eye and one brown, Ivy sets her mind on opening an Inn in what used to be her hometown of Clover Grove. Her ideas are quickly squashed one day after a lousy encounter with a certain Lloyd Boyce, the local animal warden, who arriving on her doorstep deals out a fine, ensued by beastly comments from the town residents derogating the character of Keats. And just when she thought it could not possibly get any worse Ivy stumbles across a dead body on her property, in the middle of her rye field!
Her brother Asher, a member of the police community, is assigned to the murder case with his Chief - Chief Kellan Harper nonetheless…As the memories flood back of their past relationship in school ( which did not end on a positive note to say the least ) Ivy hopes upon hope that he has forgiven and forgotten but unfortunately for her he has not. Being impatient and having a date set for the opening of her Inn, Ivy cant resist acting upon her own instincts and entering the amateur sleuthing scene for herself – I mean, what harm could it do, right?
She embarks on her project aided and abetted by Keats with their unique style of conversation, the dog replying in his own way even though people thought she had lost the plot but despite everything making the perfect team, determined to help cute Chief Harper solve the mystery of the murder and the identity of the killer. The more Ivy digs, the more she learns how many people had an axe to grind with Lloyd, from his wife to any random number of residents in the village. He was far from winning Mr. Personality of the Year Award!
As the mystery continues with the unsolved murder hanging over her head, complete with the feeling of dread that no one will want to vacation at Runaway Farm, she increases her snooping activities which takes her from pillar to post, interviewing various occupants of Clover Grove, ruling each suspect out one at a time.
This is a fastpaced Cozy mystery that will keep you guessing. Join Ivy with her unending list of question and answer tactics with an “ alls well that ends well “ scenario. Looking forward to book 2!
I give Dogcatcher in the Rye 5 out of 5 stars.
I wrote this review based on a copy that I received from the author.
Ivy Galloway, who dumped the gruelling life of a corporate HR manager in exchange for the idyllic setting of Runaway Farm , “ an amazing getaway for anyone who wants to escape the concrete jungle. “ Accompanied by Keats, a slim border collie, a shaggy black and white dog with one blue eye and one brown, Ivy sets her mind on opening an Inn in what used to be her hometown of Clover Grove. Her ideas are quickly squashed one day after a lousy encounter with a certain Lloyd Boyce, the local animal warden, who arriving on her doorstep deals out a fine, ensued by beastly comments from the town residents derogating the character of Keats. And just when she thought it could not possibly get any worse Ivy stumbles across a dead body on her property, in the middle of her rye field!
Her brother Asher, a member of the police community, is assigned to the murder case with his Chief - Chief Kellan Harper nonetheless…As the memories flood back of their past relationship in school ( which did not end on a positive note to say the least ) Ivy hopes upon hope that he has forgiven and forgotten but unfortunately for her he has not. Being impatient and having a date set for the opening of her Inn, Ivy cant resist acting upon her own instincts and entering the amateur sleuthing scene for herself – I mean, what harm could it do, right?
She embarks on her project aided and abetted by Keats with their unique style of conversation, the dog replying in his own way even though people thought she had lost the plot but despite everything making the perfect team, determined to help cute Chief Harper solve the mystery of the murder and the identity of the killer. The more Ivy digs, the more she learns how many people had an axe to grind with Lloyd, from his wife to any random number of residents in the village. He was far from winning Mr. Personality of the Year Award!
As the mystery continues with the unsolved murder hanging over her head, complete with the feeling of dread that no one will want to vacation at Runaway Farm, she increases her snooping activities which takes her from pillar to post, interviewing various occupants of Clover Grove, ruling each suspect out one at a time.
This is a fastpaced Cozy mystery that will keep you guessing. Join Ivy with her unending list of question and answer tactics with an “ alls well that ends well “ scenario. Looking forward to book 2!
I give Dogcatcher in the Rye 5 out of 5 stars.
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