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The Dog Ladies: A Cozy Murder Mystery
"...a cozy mystery that will have you laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time!" - Anne-Marie Reynolds, for Readers' Favorite
Three lonely neighbors. Five loyal dogs. One big mystery.
What do a retired pharmacist, a quirky church choir director, and a Gen Z gamer have in common? Nothing much—until a cheesy murder mystery party at their apartment complex takes a bloody turn.
After sharing front-row seats to an actual murder, Priya Visser, Gloria Williams, and Ryan Hsia form an unlikely team. As they follow a trail of long-buried secrets, the newfound sleuths must rely on each other and their dogs—a stately pug, two cheeky dachshunds, a grieving German shepherd, and an excitable lab puppy—to sniff out a killer hiding in plain sight.
As clues (and friendships) pile up, this mismatched trio might just find what they’ve been connection, courage, and the start of a true pack.
The Dog Ladies is a laugh-out-loud cozy mystery with just a dash of danger, perfect for fans of second chances, chosen family, and sleuths on four paws.
"Watching sweet old ladies and an awkward IT guy try to corner a vicious murderer is as entertaining as it sounds." - Gabriel Santos, for Readers' Favorite
Three lonely neighbors. Five loyal dogs. One big mystery.
What do a retired pharmacist, a quirky church choir director, and a Gen Z gamer have in common? Nothing much—until a cheesy murder mystery party at their apartment complex takes a bloody turn.
After sharing front-row seats to an actual murder, Priya Visser, Gloria Williams, and Ryan Hsia form an unlikely team. As they follow a trail of long-buried secrets, the newfound sleuths must rely on each other and their dogs—a stately pug, two cheeky dachshunds, a grieving German shepherd, and an excitable lab puppy—to sniff out a killer hiding in plain sight.
As clues (and friendships) pile up, this mismatched trio might just find what they’ve been connection, courage, and the start of a true pack.
The Dog Ladies is a laugh-out-loud cozy mystery with just a dash of danger, perfect for fans of second chances, chosen family, and sleuths on four paws.
"Watching sweet old ladies and an awkward IT guy try to corner a vicious murderer is as entertaining as it sounds." - Gabriel Santos, for Readers' Favorite
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2025
579 people are currently reading
1532 people want to read
About the author
Julie Titterington
16 books55 followersJulie Titterington is an author, essayist, and editor who lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley. When she's not hanging out with her husband and three children, she can be found baking, eating, and reading mysteries from the Golden Age, in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 12, 2025
“You'll be eighty-six some day, you know," she said frankly. "And then you'll realize you're not much different inside than you were at twenty-one.”
A cozy mystery with two lovable octogenarians, five dogs, a young man dealing with mental illness and a lot of laughs.
The short chapters with the dogs’ point of views were a nice touch.
“Gloria wondered how she managed to keep her eyelashes so long. Gloria's own lashes had thinned nearly to the point of nonexistence. Fled for the hills, as Roger would say, along with her eyebrows, her muscle tone, and her ability to hold her pee for very long. Aging was a nuisance.”
Gloria and Priya made me smile; old people are the best.
A cozy mystery with two lovable octogenarians, five dogs, a young man dealing with mental illness and a lot of laughs.
The short chapters with the dogs’ point of views were a nice touch.
“Gloria wondered how she managed to keep her eyelashes so long. Gloria's own lashes had thinned nearly to the point of nonexistence. Fled for the hills, as Roger would say, along with her eyebrows, her muscle tone, and her ability to hold her pee for very long. Aging was a nuisance.”
Gloria and Priya made me smile; old people are the best.
May 20, 2025
A murder mystery party becomes too real, and it draws an unlikely trio into investigating what happened. Then add an unusual mix of dogs to ramp up the excitement.
My favorite part of this story is how three very different people joined together for a common cause but ended up getting so much more from the experience. The mystery was compelling, but the human element truly stood out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My favorite part of this story is how three very different people joined together for a common cause but ended up getting so much more from the experience. The mystery was compelling, but the human element truly stood out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 5, 2025
DELIGHTFUL. Every character was so wonderfully written, even the dogs, lol! The story was so interesting and engaging; the mystery was actually a mystery; the cute little sayings were really funny; the insight into bipolar was actually so well done and gave me lots of clarity with how my bff might have felt with the highs and lows....that really touched me with how delicately it was dealt with...and the bond between the three main characters was just lovely. Such a fan!!!
June 20, 2025
4.5 stars
This was a very different mystery. The multiple points of view took some getting used to, but the characters were delightful. The plot was interesting and the story moved at a good pace. I will happily read the next book!
This was a very different mystery. The multiple points of view took some getting used to, but the characters were delightful. The plot was interesting and the story moved at a good pace. I will happily read the next book!
November 29, 2025
Picked this up on Audible and finished it in a day. The performance was absolutely spectacular—each voice felt so real that I truly felt like I knew the characters. The author’s character building, paired with the incredible narration, pulled me straight into the world.
This book felt like a warm hug: exactly what it promises to be. It’s the perfect cozy murder mystery, ideal for a quick “book reset” or when you just want something comforting and fun. The pacing is light, the charm is effortless, and it left me smiling long after I’d finished. If you’re looking for a story that wraps you up and keeps you entertained from start to finish, this is your book.
This book felt like a warm hug: exactly what it promises to be. It’s the perfect cozy murder mystery, ideal for a quick “book reset” or when you just want something comforting and fun. The pacing is light, the charm is effortless, and it left me smiling long after I’d finished. If you’re looking for a story that wraps you up and keeps you entertained from start to finish, this is your book.
May 21, 2025
Hilarious And Entertaining Cozy Mystery
This novel started with the well known trope of „The Murder Mystery Party“ and my first thought was, oh another one of those and there definitely could be something better to start a novel with. It goes always the same: during the first chapter a lot of characters are introduced, who more or less voluntarily take part in a role playing game. The participants usually have to follow a script, show up in costumes and have to use alias names. The fun, eh goal, is trying to solve a fictive murder, but which often in mystery novel turns out to be the start of a real crime. So far I was not really impressed. But that changed fast!
The story developes fast and nicely around a group of three main characters, some other people and a group of pets, including two wiener dogs, a pug, a labrador and a German shepherd. The story is written from several POVs of those characters, and even the dogs are sharing their own POVs.
Before I forget to mention it: I received a free ARC of this novel and am leaving my review voluntarily. But back to the plot. After the murder is called in two police officers appear on the scene and they seem to be not very capable and attentive to what happened. Therefore the trio of MCs, Gloria, Priya and Ryan, are determined to take things into their own hands. They didn’t really know each other before and if their intent of working together on this case should turn out successful, they’ll have to learn more about each other and their abilities. The author uses this fact in a very clever way also for a closer introduction of the MCs to the readers, so that they get to learn more about heir different, partly sneaky and often hilarious personalities, too.
Mrs. Titterington is clearly a really talented writer. She is able to develop the different characters very distinctive and they all have individual strengths and weaknesses. Their background is as diverse as their age, careers and their dogs.
While Gloria, Priya and Ryan learn to get to know each other and start their own research about the victim and meet occasionally at their respective places, Ryan takes a look at Gloria’s TV and is fascinated by this solid device in her living room. This kind of TV was apparently famous and desired by a lot of video gamers in the 90 ies. Ryan is working at the police station as an IT-person, but is also known in special circles as an online speed video gamer. His favorite game is a legendary phantasy role playing game called „Shadowfang Legacy“.
Gloria is a generous person and her grandchildren enjoy playing video games, too. So she allows him to use her TV for a game session. She is also curious and always ready to learn something new. So soon she is captured by the game and tries her hand on it. When Priya joins them later in the evening, she is also caught up in the game and soon they forget about time and the necessity of a nighttime sleep.
But „Shadowfang Legacy“ is more than just a game, as the trio finds out soon. And indeed, as it turns out, playing the game will become a very important part for the whole plot.
As usual in cozy mysteries, some things that will happen in this novel seem a bit unrealistic or over the top; others however, and that is also a strength of this novel, thoroughly describe real aspects of life, like illness, age or addiction.
There is so much more to this very well written great mystery book than I can tell here.
I enjoyed reading it very much and highly recommend it for people who love an entertaining, well constructed plot, full with humorous situations, strong characters, a small bit of suspense and some red herrings too.
This novel started with the well known trope of „The Murder Mystery Party“ and my first thought was, oh another one of those and there definitely could be something better to start a novel with. It goes always the same: during the first chapter a lot of characters are introduced, who more or less voluntarily take part in a role playing game. The participants usually have to follow a script, show up in costumes and have to use alias names. The fun, eh goal, is trying to solve a fictive murder, but which often in mystery novel turns out to be the start of a real crime. So far I was not really impressed. But that changed fast!
The story developes fast and nicely around a group of three main characters, some other people and a group of pets, including two wiener dogs, a pug, a labrador and a German shepherd. The story is written from several POVs of those characters, and even the dogs are sharing their own POVs.
Before I forget to mention it: I received a free ARC of this novel and am leaving my review voluntarily. But back to the plot. After the murder is called in two police officers appear on the scene and they seem to be not very capable and attentive to what happened. Therefore the trio of MCs, Gloria, Priya and Ryan, are determined to take things into their own hands. They didn’t really know each other before and if their intent of working together on this case should turn out successful, they’ll have to learn more about each other and their abilities. The author uses this fact in a very clever way also for a closer introduction of the MCs to the readers, so that they get to learn more about heir different, partly sneaky and often hilarious personalities, too.
Mrs. Titterington is clearly a really talented writer. She is able to develop the different characters very distinctive and they all have individual strengths and weaknesses. Their background is as diverse as their age, careers and their dogs.
While Gloria, Priya and Ryan learn to get to know each other and start their own research about the victim and meet occasionally at their respective places, Ryan takes a look at Gloria’s TV and is fascinated by this solid device in her living room. This kind of TV was apparently famous and desired by a lot of video gamers in the 90 ies. Ryan is working at the police station as an IT-person, but is also known in special circles as an online speed video gamer. His favorite game is a legendary phantasy role playing game called „Shadowfang Legacy“.
Gloria is a generous person and her grandchildren enjoy playing video games, too. So she allows him to use her TV for a game session. She is also curious and always ready to learn something new. So soon she is captured by the game and tries her hand on it. When Priya joins them later in the evening, she is also caught up in the game and soon they forget about time and the necessity of a nighttime sleep.
But „Shadowfang Legacy“ is more than just a game, as the trio finds out soon. And indeed, as it turns out, playing the game will become a very important part for the whole plot.
As usual in cozy mysteries, some things that will happen in this novel seem a bit unrealistic or over the top; others however, and that is also a strength of this novel, thoroughly describe real aspects of life, like illness, age or addiction.
There is so much more to this very well written great mystery book than I can tell here.
I enjoyed reading it very much and highly recommend it for people who love an entertaining, well constructed plot, full with humorous situations, strong characters, a small bit of suspense and some red herrings too.
May 28, 2025
Where to start a murder mystery party bringing neighbors together who have nothing in common except where they live and they love dogs & each have a cat. Before continue want to note I received an ARC of this book for a voluntary honest review. The characters can't be more different yet form a strong bond right away especially after someone used the party to really murder someone they all liked. The mystery has the point of view from all the characters even the dogs & cats. There is a murder, a video game, and a bank robbery. Are they related. Oh the building they all live in used to be a swanky resort for the stars. One of which is now the owner. The dog ladies are two older women who couldn't be more diffrent then night & day and a young IT guy who has some mental health issues. The police think there is no murder that a couple of cat ladies are being busy bodies so write it off as an accidental death. Yet a young female police officer isn't so sure. The officers called to the scene think they are getting out of paperwork by handing the case over to her. She happens to know Ryan the IT guy as he works for the police department. He is used to being invisible yet Holly the young officer notices him. He and the other dog ladies decide to investigate to find the killer. As they do this they get to know each other much better as all their dogs & their dead man's dog make friends. Ryan it turns out is a master gamer for a very specific older Nintendo game developed by someone who is from the town they live in. Other people watch him on line as he tries to improve his next personal best giving them hints how to get through each level of the game. The other dog ladies get hooked on the video game along with trying to solve the murder as they are sure it is murder. They decide they need Holly's help and they do their best to con her yet Ryan feels honesty is best policy. Once she is vetted by the dogs they come clean. The more they dig the more they realize the game holds the clues to solve more than one mystery. They also realize how much they have come to mean to each other & need each other. Even their dogs start to realize they are now a pack. As the mysteries build Holly tries to get her chief to call in the FBI. He like the other officers don't think there is a case or connection to the other mysteries so the Dog ladies decide they need to finish what they started for the murdered guy. There is lots of adventure, laughter, and real life issues in the story all of which keeps your interest & makes the story work. Family is not always by blood but by choice is a great message of the story. So is the mystery of their cat. Can't wait to see if there are other opportunities for the Dog ladies to solve other mysteries
May 27, 2025
I loved this book. All the elements are here to make for a great movie.
We have all of these residences living in a remodeled hotel called Westview Residences. The manager of the building holds a Murder Mystery evening with all of the residents to make for a nice meet and greet. While at the party, the janitor of the building falls out in the floor as if he is acting as the murdered resident at the party but it turns out he is not the one supposedly murdered but is the actual person who dies at the party. 3 of the residents who witnessed the entire thing get the feeling after awhile that more happened then the police are letting on. Priya, Gloria, and Ryan (the dog ladies) quickly figure out that there is a connection between the victim's murder and another murder from years ago and are able to find connections to a bank robbery from 25 plus years ago. I love the POV the book is written in. You know the guilty party awhile before the dog ladies figure it out since we see what is going on in the guilty parties brain as well.
Gloria cracks me up because she is always speaking her mind and mixing up her idioms. I could practically hear Priya be annoyed every time she has to correct Gloria. Priya is kind of the brains of the operation but Gloria seems to be the headstrong one, brave and charging into situations that Priya can only dream of being brave enough to do. Ryan has a contact at the police department where he works in IT. But then the mystery could not have been solved without Ryan and his love for a particular video game called Shadowfang that was coincidentally created by a friend of the victim and who he himself had been murdered years before.
Each of the "dog ladies" including Ryan have dogs. Priya has emperor Pompey, a purebred Pug. Gloria with her two dachshunds Snickers and Snuggles and then we have Ryan with his black lab, Fenrir. But to join the literal pile of dogs is Viscountess Dagmar, the German Shepard who belonged to the victim. The dogs also observe what is going on with their humans during the book. I enjoyed hearing their POV as well.
The realization about the cat at the end of the book is quite entertaining.
All the twists and turns and revelations about info they uncover in the story makes for a quick, entertaining read. I will probably reread this book at some point in the future. I highly recommend this book. Anyone would love it!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
We have all of these residences living in a remodeled hotel called Westview Residences. The manager of the building holds a Murder Mystery evening with all of the residents to make for a nice meet and greet. While at the party, the janitor of the building falls out in the floor as if he is acting as the murdered resident at the party but it turns out he is not the one supposedly murdered but is the actual person who dies at the party. 3 of the residents who witnessed the entire thing get the feeling after awhile that more happened then the police are letting on. Priya, Gloria, and Ryan (the dog ladies) quickly figure out that there is a connection between the victim's murder and another murder from years ago and are able to find connections to a bank robbery from 25 plus years ago. I love the POV the book is written in. You know the guilty party awhile before the dog ladies figure it out since we see what is going on in the guilty parties brain as well.
Gloria cracks me up because she is always speaking her mind and mixing up her idioms. I could practically hear Priya be annoyed every time she has to correct Gloria. Priya is kind of the brains of the operation but Gloria seems to be the headstrong one, brave and charging into situations that Priya can only dream of being brave enough to do. Ryan has a contact at the police department where he works in IT. But then the mystery could not have been solved without Ryan and his love for a particular video game called Shadowfang that was coincidentally created by a friend of the victim and who he himself had been murdered years before.
Each of the "dog ladies" including Ryan have dogs. Priya has emperor Pompey, a purebred Pug. Gloria with her two dachshunds Snickers and Snuggles and then we have Ryan with his black lab, Fenrir. But to join the literal pile of dogs is Viscountess Dagmar, the German Shepard who belonged to the victim. The dogs also observe what is going on with their humans during the book. I enjoyed hearing their POV as well.
The realization about the cat at the end of the book is quite entertaining.
All the twists and turns and revelations about info they uncover in the story makes for a quick, entertaining read. I will probably reread this book at some point in the future. I highly recommend this book. Anyone would love it!
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 24, 2025
Julie Titterington’s The Dog Ladies is a genre-bending story that blends cozy mystery, small-town gossip, and quirky dark humor into a wild narrative full of twists and unexpected heart. The book follows a group of people—eccentric, nosy, and fiercely loyal—who orbit around a central murder mystery while diving into everything from call transcripts to livestreams, etiquette lessons, soap operas, and the existential dread of insomnia. It’s structured with sharp shifts in tone and form, creating a layered and chaotic tapestry of voices, moments, and digressions that somehow all loop back into the odd little universe of these unforgettable dog-loving people.
Reading this book was like falling down a rabbit hole laced with sarcasm and sentiment. Titterington’s writing is whip-smart, often hilarious, and occasionally moving in a way that catches you off guard. One moment I’d be laughing at a bizarre conversation between characters I wasn’t sure I trusted, and the next, I’d feel a sudden emotional punch, like I’d just been reminded of the ache of growing old or losing a friend. The experimental structure, scenes flip between transcripts, interviews, and dialogue-driven chaos, can be disorienting, but it adds to the charm. This book doesn’t spoon-feed you. You piece it together like you’re one of the nosy ladies yourself, eavesdropping and speculating.
Sometimes the plot meanders. Characters talk over each other. There’s a lot of inside-joke energy that made me feel like I missed a memo. But somewhere along the way, I realized that was the point. The Dog Ladies isn’t about clean resolutions or linear storytelling. It’s about the mess of community, the kind that gossips and schemes and watches out for each other, even when it’s wildly dysfunctional. It’s an ode to oddballs, to late-night phone calls, to memories that come back in snippets and smells and weird phrases.
I’d recommend The Dog Ladies to readers who enjoy voice-driven stories, especially fans of authors like Maria Semple, Shirley Jackson (on a whimsy bender), or even absurdist podcasts. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re the kind of reader who likes a challenge, laughs at dry wit, and doesn’t mind feeling a little lost now and then, this book will win you over. It’s a messy, funny, bittersweet ride—and I’m glad I stuck around until the end.
Reading this book was like falling down a rabbit hole laced with sarcasm and sentiment. Titterington’s writing is whip-smart, often hilarious, and occasionally moving in a way that catches you off guard. One moment I’d be laughing at a bizarre conversation between characters I wasn’t sure I trusted, and the next, I’d feel a sudden emotional punch, like I’d just been reminded of the ache of growing old or losing a friend. The experimental structure, scenes flip between transcripts, interviews, and dialogue-driven chaos, can be disorienting, but it adds to the charm. This book doesn’t spoon-feed you. You piece it together like you’re one of the nosy ladies yourself, eavesdropping and speculating.
Sometimes the plot meanders. Characters talk over each other. There’s a lot of inside-joke energy that made me feel like I missed a memo. But somewhere along the way, I realized that was the point. The Dog Ladies isn’t about clean resolutions or linear storytelling. It’s about the mess of community, the kind that gossips and schemes and watches out for each other, even when it’s wildly dysfunctional. It’s an ode to oddballs, to late-night phone calls, to memories that come back in snippets and smells and weird phrases.
I’d recommend The Dog Ladies to readers who enjoy voice-driven stories, especially fans of authors like Maria Semple, Shirley Jackson (on a whimsy bender), or even absurdist podcasts. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re the kind of reader who likes a challenge, laughs at dry wit, and doesn’t mind feeling a little lost now and then, this book will win you over. It’s a messy, funny, bittersweet ride—and I’m glad I stuck around until the end.
January 11, 2026
A Fun Lighthearted Mystery starring two senior neighbors, a geek, and five loyal dogs!
I stumbled across The Dog Ladies and author Julie Titterington when I was searching Kindle recommendations for a novel similar to The Thursday Murder Club. The synopsis of the book had me giggling before I ever reached the end. But what sold me was the five loyal dogs and their entertaining personalities. The Dog Ladies was the best book choice I made all year. And it was the perfect book to end my 2025 reading challenge (202 books in a year!)
Dog Ladies is a cosy mystery that is quick and easy to read. The story is fast-paced, yet has enough sudden plot twists to keep me glued to the pages in hopes I didn't miss any important clues! I devoured the 403 pages in one sitting! So I didn't get much sleep that night! I'm retired so afternoon naps are accepted!
Julie Titterington's character development was spot on. I could picture each of the characters in my mind. Priya and Gloria were like my next-door neighbors. I felt like I left my chair and entered the world of Westview Residences where the mystery takes place. But it was the dogs that stole my heart! Gloria's doxies, Snuggles and Snickers, chasing around the condo, made me grin. Pryia's stately pug, a former show dog, named Emperor Pompey, behaved like every pug I ever met. Ryan's out-of-control lab puppy was a mess but lovable enough, I just wanted to pick him up and squeeze him. Finally, the fifth edition of the dog pack was the grieving, female shepherd, Dagmar, owned by the murder victim. Ms. Titterington did a marvelous job of portraying the dog who missed her owner, the listlessness, poor appetite, and the general change in Dagmar's disposition. Again, Julie Titterington's description of the dogs was so three-dimensional that they were like my own dogs currently sleeping on my feet! I wanted to sit on my floor and scratch their ears.
In short, you don't read The Dog Ladies, you participate. The novel is a full-senses experience, a murder mystery party you can eagerly be part of. Consider picking up The Dog Ladies and joining in the romp! It is more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
I stumbled across The Dog Ladies and author Julie Titterington when I was searching Kindle recommendations for a novel similar to The Thursday Murder Club. The synopsis of the book had me giggling before I ever reached the end. But what sold me was the five loyal dogs and their entertaining personalities. The Dog Ladies was the best book choice I made all year. And it was the perfect book to end my 2025 reading challenge (202 books in a year!)
Dog Ladies is a cosy mystery that is quick and easy to read. The story is fast-paced, yet has enough sudden plot twists to keep me glued to the pages in hopes I didn't miss any important clues! I devoured the 403 pages in one sitting! So I didn't get much sleep that night! I'm retired so afternoon naps are accepted!
Julie Titterington's character development was spot on. I could picture each of the characters in my mind. Priya and Gloria were like my next-door neighbors. I felt like I left my chair and entered the world of Westview Residences where the mystery takes place. But it was the dogs that stole my heart! Gloria's doxies, Snuggles and Snickers, chasing around the condo, made me grin. Pryia's stately pug, a former show dog, named Emperor Pompey, behaved like every pug I ever met. Ryan's out-of-control lab puppy was a mess but lovable enough, I just wanted to pick him up and squeeze him. Finally, the fifth edition of the dog pack was the grieving, female shepherd, Dagmar, owned by the murder victim. Ms. Titterington did a marvelous job of portraying the dog who missed her owner, the listlessness, poor appetite, and the general change in Dagmar's disposition. Again, Julie Titterington's description of the dogs was so three-dimensional that they were like my own dogs currently sleeping on my feet! I wanted to sit on my floor and scratch their ears.
In short, you don't read The Dog Ladies, you participate. The novel is a full-senses experience, a murder mystery party you can eagerly be part of. Consider picking up The Dog Ladies and joining in the romp! It is more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
May 3, 2025
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. This is a fun read. The Dog Ladies are actually two ladies in their 80s and a man in his 20s, who suffers badly with bi-polar disorder. There are indeed dogs - as illustrated on the book cover - 2 fat daschunds, 1 stately pug, a black Labrador puppy and a slightly older German shepherd. They all live in an apartment complex converted from a run down ex hotel on the edge of the desert, where long ago film stars partied, drank and took drugs. Getting together and getting to know each other - quicker and easier for the dogs than their people - they are soon engrossed in a 1990s video game and the murder that took place before their eyes. There were quite a few scenes in this book that made me laugh out loud. The author crafted her characters perfectly to complement each other, including the dogs, to whose thoughts we are privileged from time to time. And one, very sociable cat! I'd love another book - or more - about this little group who, having found each other will surely stay together. With or without a murder mystery! The end is perfect too!
May 29, 2025
A great fun 'cozy crime' mystery, with interesting characters and a satisfying plot.
Three mismatched neighbours living in the Westview Apartment block meet for the first time at a murder mystery party. They initially seem to have little in common, other than their devotion to their dogs, but when another guest drops down dead, they decide to investigate.
I enjoyed how the unlikely friendship developed between Priya, Gloria and Ryan and how their different strengths (and weaknesses) helped them find out what had happened. All three were well-written with convincing back-stories and well-developed characters. I'd like to meet them again!
Some of the supporting characters were rather less plausible - in particular the apartment manager Mike seemed to fluctuate between being very clever and very stupid but it didn't detract from the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Three mismatched neighbours living in the Westview Apartment block meet for the first time at a murder mystery party. They initially seem to have little in common, other than their devotion to their dogs, but when another guest drops down dead, they decide to investigate.
I enjoyed how the unlikely friendship developed between Priya, Gloria and Ryan and how their different strengths (and weaknesses) helped them find out what had happened. All three were well-written with convincing back-stories and well-developed characters. I'd like to meet them again!
Some of the supporting characters were rather less plausible - in particular the apartment manager Mike seemed to fluctuate between being very clever and very stupid but it didn't detract from the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2025
The Dog Ladies is a delightful, witty, engaging cozy mystery that has wonderful characters, terrific dogs, and all the elements one would expect in a cozy mystery. I found myself rather sad when the story was over, but delighted to discover that there are more books to be enjoyed. I hated having to put the book down and spend time in real life; it's that good. The only tiny criticism I have is that I preferred the original cover. It had a group picture of all the dogs, which I fell in love with. I do understand why it was changed, but I'm sure my "dog ladies" would agree with me.
This is the first book I have read by Ms. Titterington, but I will be looking for more of her work to read. I highly recommend her writing. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
This is the first book I have read by Ms. Titterington, but I will be looking for more of her work to read. I highly recommend her writing. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
May 7, 2025
I wish I could give more than five stars as this is definitely a ten star book!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The first chapter or so was a tough read~ however, once the characters were fully developed and interacting with each other I was able to get invested in the story! Then, I couldn't put it down ‼️⭐️‼️ excellent and relatable characters who somehow across decades of age difference remarkably form a deep bond and a beautiful caring friendship. I enjoyed the chapters where the narrative was from the dogs' perspectives....that was quite creative and fun. The transcripts also condense some plot points so that we can enjoy the repartee!
I laughed ...I cried ......I highly recommend the book and certainly hope there are more in the series‼️👵🏻‼️
The first chapter or so was a tough read~ however, once the characters were fully developed and interacting with each other I was able to get invested in the story! Then, I couldn't put it down ‼️⭐️‼️ excellent and relatable characters who somehow across decades of age difference remarkably form a deep bond and a beautiful caring friendship. I enjoyed the chapters where the narrative was from the dogs' perspectives....that was quite creative and fun. The transcripts also condense some plot points so that we can enjoy the repartee!
I laughed ...I cried ......I highly recommend the book and certainly hope there are more in the series‼️👵🏻‼️
May 8, 2025
This is now the 2nd book I've read from Julie Titterington and I'm loving the way she takes you on a trip to solve this mystery. Every little item in this story is key to solving the death, and I loved trying to figure out whodunit along with 3 Dog Ladies.
Priya and her pug. Gloria and her dachshunds (my favorite). And Ryan (the only man in the group) and his dog Fen. I love that each dog has their own chapter. This book is funny, charming, and at the end a beautiful friendship between characters who needed love.
I honestly hope we get to see more of these characters. More books where we can see them solve other crimes. They are witty and all have issues, but they needed each other to fix those issues. As one of the dogs says they are a pack now.
Priya and her pug. Gloria and her dachshunds (my favorite). And Ryan (the only man in the group) and his dog Fen. I love that each dog has their own chapter. This book is funny, charming, and at the end a beautiful friendship between characters who needed love.
I honestly hope we get to see more of these characters. More books where we can see them solve other crimes. They are witty and all have issues, but they needed each other to fix those issues. As one of the dogs says they are a pack now.
April 26, 2025
The Dog Ladies is Book 1 in A Cozy Murder Mystery by Julie Titterington. I loved the book cover it is cute and who doesn't love dogs. The 3 friends form a a sleuthing group along with their pets. At first, the group is A mystery party until there is a real murder. I believe that the characters are well written and they interact with each other perfectly. There is a light hearted feeling and the cat, Mr Whisker skins (among other names) is a fabulous cat. The pets and their owners bonded . But, what come next after this murder is sloved? I can't wait to find out! I received arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 22, 2025
I had a bit of trouble getting into the book, but once I did, I grew to love all these quirky characters and the friendship they formed. The dogs are wonderful, of course, and even have their own chapters. I would be interested in seeing more of this trio and their dogs in other books. I love that solving this murder also leads to solving a cold case. The building history was very interesting as well. I am glad that this unlikely trio forged such a strong relationship and would like to see them in more books. Kudos to officer Holly for not just writing off "The Dog Ladies!" I found that I could not put the book down and read it all in one day!
May 23, 2025
4.5⭐️
A hilarious and entertaining new cozy mystery series. The Dog Ladies started off with a murder mystery party that turned into a real murder, and I thought, "Oh great, another one," but I was wrong. I feel in love with Gloria, Pryia, and Ryan. Gloria and Pryia are lonely women in their eighties, and Ryan is a lonely IT young guy. They all have dogs and a cat. When murder happens at the party, the 2 women decide to solve it, pulling Ryan along with them. I laughed and enjoyed this cozy mystery a lot.
Published May 10, 2025
Thanks to Booksiern and Julie Titterington for the E-book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Booksiern #JulieTitterington #TheDogLadies
A hilarious and entertaining new cozy mystery series. The Dog Ladies started off with a murder mystery party that turned into a real murder, and I thought, "Oh great, another one," but I was wrong. I feel in love with Gloria, Pryia, and Ryan. Gloria and Pryia are lonely women in their eighties, and Ryan is a lonely IT young guy. They all have dogs and a cat. When murder happens at the party, the 2 women decide to solve it, pulling Ryan along with them. I laughed and enjoyed this cozy mystery a lot.
Published May 10, 2025
Thanks to Booksiern and Julie Titterington for the E-book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Booksiern #JulieTitterington #TheDogLadies
July 12, 2025
A fun and entertaining cosy murder mystery. We meet Ryan, Gloria and Priya who although all live in the same apartment complex which was once a hotel where the rich and famous enjoyed partying, where despite being neighbours don’t really know one another. The manager of the complex throws a murder mystery party, only during this one of the residents dies unexpectedly and this unexpectedly trio along with their dogs decide to investigate the murder. This was a really fab fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed and I would love a sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2025
What do you get when you mix two quirky old ladies, a GenX gamer, a pack of dogs and a rookie cop together to solve a murder mystery and a decades old heist? Tons of fun!! I loved all the main characters including the fun "commentary" of the dogs. This heartwarming story was more than just a murder mystery. It shows how "family" can be built from diverse backgrounds, ages and personalities. This cozy mystery was just the right blend of quirky characters, great dialogue and a sprinkle of intrigue. I am looking forward to the new book in this fun series! Thank you Julie Titterington and BookSirens for the opportunity to review this fun ARC.
January 7, 2026
5 Stars
I have read a LOT of cozy mysteries, and it's really rare for me that I am able to give one a five star rating. But this one was amazing. The set up for the mystery was so unique - we knew from the beginning who the killer was and watching the Dog Ladies work it out was so much fun.
The characters themselves were all really fun as well. Gloria reminds me of a smarter Rose from the Golden Girls and she was so funny.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job of making each voice very distinct; I always knew who was speaking.
I just saw that there is a new addition to the series coming out in February and I can't wait to pick that one up as well.
I have read a LOT of cozy mysteries, and it's really rare for me that I am able to give one a five star rating. But this one was amazing. The set up for the mystery was so unique - we knew from the beginning who the killer was and watching the Dog Ladies work it out was so much fun.
The characters themselves were all really fun as well. Gloria reminds me of a smarter Rose from the Golden Girls and she was so funny.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job of making each voice very distinct; I always knew who was speaking.
I just saw that there is a new addition to the series coming out in February and I can't wait to pick that one up as well.
May 29, 2025
"Like all good dog ladies, we'll let the dogs be the guides"
After being described as 'old cat ladies' 2 older residents of Westview Residences, Priya and Gloria and their younger compatriot Ryan begin to figure out who murdered the maintenance guy Tommy and why?
Everyone seems to like this book however I felt it dragged and when the best part is the "dogs eye view" it's hard to get enthusiastic about the story. 3/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from Book Sirens. In no way did it army readior this review]
After being described as 'old cat ladies' 2 older residents of Westview Residences, Priya and Gloria and their younger compatriot Ryan begin to figure out who murdered the maintenance guy Tommy and why?
Everyone seems to like this book however I felt it dragged and when the best part is the "dogs eye view" it's hard to get enthusiastic about the story. 3/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from Book Sirens. In no way did it army readior this review]
June 16, 2025
OH MY GOSH!!! The Dog Ladies completely stole my heart. I didn’t want to put it down. I was literally walking my dogs while reading it because I just had to know what happened next. It was just. So. Good.
Priya, Gloria, and Ryan were everything. I loved them so much and honestly wish they were real so we could hang out in real life. Their friendship, their banter, their involvement in a mystery, it all clicked in the best way. And don’t even get me started on the pups’ POVs… absolutely adorable and hilarious!
There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like about this book. It was the perfect cozy murder mystery, and I’m already counting down the days until the next one.
Priya, Gloria, and Ryan were everything. I loved them so much and honestly wish they were real so we could hang out in real life. Their friendship, their banter, their involvement in a mystery, it all clicked in the best way. And don’t even get me started on the pups’ POVs… absolutely adorable and hilarious!
There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like about this book. It was the perfect cozy murder mystery, and I’m already counting down the days until the next one.
January 6, 2026
This is a great book. Started a little slow first few pages This was very interesting, fun and yay for the "old ladies*. I really recommend this book this author. The author shows just because we are old doesn't mean we can't think, plan and solve complex problems like working to solve a murder together The way the author has the dogs and cat involved in solving a mystery is great. Characters are well developed. I am trying to be careful and not give anything away. I believe you will really enjoy it
May 19, 2025
There is a mystery party at the apartment house. One of the guest, the janitor, drops dead.
Ryan Hsia and Priya along with Gloria do CPR to no good. They then decide it was murder and set out to find the killer. All them have dogs which makes for interesting scenes. The three come up with a plan and a lot of things to catch the killer. Very good suspense. Loved the ending.
I’m received an advance review copy, ARC, for free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
Ryan Hsia and Priya along with Gloria do CPR to no good. They then decide it was murder and set out to find the killer. All them have dogs which makes for interesting scenes. The three come up with a plan and a lot of things to catch the killer. Very good suspense. Loved the ending.
I’m received an advance review copy, ARC, for free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
May 30, 2025
What an awesome story! This brings three totally different people together along with a great group of dogs in life, a murder mystery and makes them friends. The storyline was good with twists and turns to keep you guessing but to me this book is a hit because of the complete opposites become friends. It just makes you smile. I can't wait to read the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2025
I love these three. The fact that these two ladies took in Ryan....I loved them even more. It's hard thing to deal with. I love that the author didn't just blow it off but showed the ups and downs. And I love the huge difference in their characters. These three were just perfect together. And this was a great mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2025
wow!
At first I didn’t like this book, it was confusing in the beginning, I almost stopped reading it but since I ordered it I decided to push on, well as I got further into the story it got more and more interesting! And even funny at times! It got to the point I couldn’t wait to sit down and read more! Yes Im getting the next book for sure! It was interesting, funny, really a good who done it and how, really made you think! Love it!
At first I didn’t like this book, it was confusing in the beginning, I almost stopped reading it but since I ordered it I decided to push on, well as I got further into the story it got more and more interesting! And even funny at times! It got to the point I couldn’t wait to sit down and read more! Yes Im getting the next book for sure! It was interesting, funny, really a good who done it and how, really made you think! Love it!
July 30, 2025
Such a fun cozy murder mystery. I really enjoyed the old ladies and the bipolar young man with all the dogs and the one cat. Their family appeal with each other and abilities to work together… the video game, the pharmacist, the way they work out the puzzles and then bring in a rookie cop. Emotions awry. Death at a murder mystery party and all the shebang.
Recommend for a fun mystery ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Recommend for a fun mystery ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2025
Silly but good silly
I'm reading 2 different series by this author. They're silly but fun. Good characters, good mystery. It's so refreshing to read a mystery that is good, clean, (no cussing, sex and overt violence) AND entertaining! I rarely give 5 stars but I give this writer 5 stars for writing a book that made me laugh, kept me turning the pages and looking up other books she has written.
I'm reading 2 different series by this author. They're silly but fun. Good characters, good mystery. It's so refreshing to read a mystery that is good, clean, (no cussing, sex and overt violence) AND entertaining! I rarely give 5 stars but I give this writer 5 stars for writing a book that made me laugh, kept me turning the pages and looking up other books she has written.
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