Fifty Shades of Greyhound

Pampered Pets Mystery #5

by Sparkle Abbey

Pet therapist Caro Lamont is thrilled to support the elite fundraising gala for Greys Matter, a SoCal greyhound rescue group. The guests are clad in shades of grey, champagne and donations are flowing, and fifty gorgeous greyhounds are in attendance. But before the evening ends, a stranger in their midst is dead. Caro sets out to help, but soon finds herself in the doghouse with homicide detective Judd Malone ― oh, and federal agent John Milner.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Dogs

281 pages, Hardcover

First published May 8, 2014

About the author

Sparkle Abbey is the pseudonym of two mystery authors (Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter). They are friends and neighbors as well as co-writers of the Pampered Pets Mystery Series. The pen name was created by combining the names of their rescue pets - Sparkle (Mary Lee’s cat) and Abbey (Anita’s dog). They reside in central Iowa, but if they could write anywhere, you would find them on the beach with their laptops and depending on the time of day either an iced tea or a margarita.)

Desperate Housedogs (Book 1), Get Fluffy (Book 2), Kitty Kitty Bang Bang (Book 3), Yip/Tuck (Book 4), Fifty Shades of Greyhound (Book 5), and The Girl with the Dachshund Tattoo (Book 6) are available in large-print through Gale-Thorndike and are part of the Clean Reads program.

Reviews

[Mark Baker]

Pet therapist Caro Lamont is attending a fundraiser for a local greyhound rescue organization. However, the evening ends unexpectedly when a man crashes into Caro and then falls down dead at her feet. No one seems to know who he was, but someone must. Who was he? Why did someone want him dead?

This book wastes little time jumping into the murder, and it really doesn’t slow down after that. The book is filled with laughs, coming from some absurd situations and some eccentric characters. Yet the core cast of characters are still serious enough that we can care about them and the outcome. Caro finds plenty of clues and red herrings on her way to a logical solution to yet another fun mystery.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Lauren]

As an animal lover, these cozies are so fun to read. I appreciated all that I learned about greyhounds. Caro is an interesting character.

[Tara Kable]

I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was a super cute cozy mystery! I love dogs, and i love mysteries, so this was a perfect combo for me! The book kept me engaged and interested throughout. This was my first book by the author, and I definately will be reading more!

[Paula Ratcliffe]

At a local gala all about Greyhounds someone ends up meeting a demise, falling into Caro Lamont who wants to know when she can get her broach back and she ends trying to figure out who killed the stranger to the gala. Also after being approached by Blanche the women she worked with at the gala she is sent to check on the other greyhounds that witnessed the murder to see how the animals present at the gala are dealing with the trauma.

The bigger question is who released a bunny into a gala? And who is the mysterious man who winds up dead? This book was full of mystery and adventure and had me wanting to read the previous books in the series. I loved the theme with a pet therapist gave you ideas of what can ail some dogs. And how dog parents can sometimes push their anxieties on to their animals!

[Beth Anne Farmer]

I read this because I have and adore a greyhound and the title made me laugh. it was a mediocre cozy mystery.

[Julie Howard]

This is the first book by this author I have read or listened to but I enjoyed it, so it won't be the last. This is book five and you don't need to to have read any of the other stories to enjoy it. Having said that it might have helped at the start because the main character is at a party and you are introduced to a lot of characters at once which did get a bit much keeping them straight but as the story unfolds you soon catch up. The characters are fun and you also get a lot of fun and interesting facts about dogs. The mystery was good and with plenty of suspects it kept you guessing. It is a series I will be looking out for again.
Caro is attending a fund raising event for greyhounds and with owners and pets all attending something is bound to go wrong with a rabbit at the party but the party really grounds to a halt when someone is murdered. The president of the fund raiser hires Caro in her capacity as a pet therapist just in case any of the poor dogs are suffering from the trauma. By doing this she also has to talk to each of the owners and the one thing they all want to talk about is the murder but as nobody know who the victim is it proves difficult to find a reason for the death. Then somebody else dies leaving a suicide note and two greyhounds. Caro doesn't believe the owner would killer herself or at least do it without providing for her dogs first, so she sets out to find out what is going on with the greyhound trust before the situation becomes any greyer.
The narrator was okay. She did have a real twang that took a while to get use to but she did do a number of good voices for the characters.

[Jan]

California glitz goes to the dogs. The first murder happened at a big money fundraiser for retired greyhounds, and Caro was really on the scene this time. She starts sleuthing the very next day to prove that the easy answer is not always the right one. If you enjoy fashion descriptions you'll love this book!
Evelyn Marcial does a great narration, perky without gushing. I normally listen at faster than standard speed, and lost nothing by doing so.
I entered a giveaway and won this audiobook from BelleBooks. I win!

[Debra]

I am enjoying this series. These cozy mysteries are a quick and fun read. The characters are so likable and they're written in a way that I want to know what's going to happen next. The side story of the back and forth with the brooch is hilarious and I find myself rooting for whichever character I'm currently "befriending". I also find the smattering of information about dogs interesting too because it's not preachy or soapbox-y.

[Khanson919]

I have written before that all these book follow a formula, but I am okay with that. They are quick, fun reads that center around the world of dogs and I like that. I am also very happy that the author took a break from the broach stealing business. However, I find it very hard to believe that anyone could get evidence from the FBI that the FBI does not think belongs to them.

[Cristie Tredeau]

Just finished reading book five of this series. They just keep getting better and better. I love the characters. The mystery is engaging. If you are looking for an awesome cozy mystery series- this is the ticket! I highly recommend it!

[Allison Ann]

I enjoy the Caro centric books much more than the Mel centri books. Plus there was very little brooch fighting, so all in all, a good book. You can always tell the murderer, because they are the one who doesn't LOOOOOOVE their dogs. :D

[Stephanie]

This was a pretty good, fast moving cozy. I give it 4 stars because of the choice to present the FBI guy as more or less incompetent.

[Dawn]

A cute fun read! Love my greyhound and it was fun reading about them.

[Gale]

I am loving this series. The characters and mystery are great.

[Ewa]

main character is sooooooooooooooooo annoying. why does she have to talk to everyone 'love', 'darling' etc. - even strange men? I hated her so much. the story was also not very interesting

[Maria]

I received a complimentary copy of this book a a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. Rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

Fans of cozy pet mysteries need look no further than Sparkle Abbey’s latest addition to the Pampered Pets series, Fifty Shades of Greyhound. Filled with well-developed characters, precocious animals and a murder mystery that needs to be solved, I found myself quickly turning the pages to discover what would happen next. While the fifth book in the series, I was able to pick up this installment and read it on its own.

Invited to one of the pick social events of the year, the Fifty Shades of Greyhound Charity Ball, pet psychologist Caroline “Caro” Lamont is dressed to the nines and enjoying what she hopes will be a successful fund raising event for Greyhound Matters, a local rescue operation she is occasionally involved with. When a stranger dropped dead at her feet during the party, Caro finds herself once again in the center of a police investigation. Wondering which of the rich and successful guests at the party had something to hide, Caro soon finds herself pulled into investigating the murder.

A well-established character, and the heroine of the series, Caro Lamont is beautiful, educated and devoted to the care and love of animals. While originally licensed to treat humans, Caro now spends her days treating the “social” maladies of her four legged patients and their owners. Devoted to her friends, Caro does have some emotional baggage (don’t we all), which helps make her an ideal investigator. She has a real sense for people and knows when they’re hiding a problem.

A handful of well-developed secondary characters help provide color, emotional angst and additional animals to the story. I especially liked Caro’s best friend, former actress Diana Knight, and Caro’s office assistant, Verdi. While the story begins somewhat slowly, the plot’s pace really picks up and the mystery is well developed. While I did guess the identity of one villain, the “top dog” caught me completely by surprise.

Will Caro and her friends be able to solve the mystery and clear an innocent man who gets caught up in the investigation? Will Caro’s slow developing romance continue to develop or take a blow? And will her ongoing battle over Grandma Tillie’s brooch finally get settled? You’ll have to read Fifty Shades of Greyhound to find out, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Sparkle Abbey’s books.

[Mason]

Combining murder, mystery, lovable rescue dogs, zany characters and a fun plot, author Sparkle Abbey has created an entertaining adventure in FIFTY SHADES OF GREYHOUND.

All is going well at the elite fundraising gala for Greys Matter, a SoCal greyhound rescue group. Laguna Beach Pet Therapist Caro Lamont is having fun people watching with the guests all clad in glamorous attire in various shades of grey. There’s plenty of champagne, a delicious buffet and donations seem to be coming in by leaps and bounds.

Out of nowhere a real rabbit shows up attracting the attention of the 50 dogs in attendance and bedlam breaks out. Before order can be restored, a stranger falls dead at Caro’s feet.

Determined to help the rescue group solve the murder, Caro encounters problems with Homicide Detective Judd Malone and Federal Agent John Milner. After a second death, Caro knows she’s on the right path but she’ll have to work fast unless she wants to become a victim herself.

This is an appealing cozy murder mystery filled with twists and turns as the story flows at a steady pace keeping you guessing until the end. The characters are lovable and quirky with a charm that draws readers in.

With an eye for the details regarding the Laguna Beach setting and rich descriptions concerning greyhounds, the author has crafted a well-balanced story. The blend of murder mystery and pet rescue, highlighted with touches of humor and romance, makes for a delightful read.

FIFTY SHADES OF GREYHOUND is the fifth installment in the Pampered Pets Mystery series, but can be read on its own. New fans of the series won’t be left in the dark having not read any of the previous books. This edition also offers excerpts from the first and second books in the series, as well as a recipe for a tasty treat for your pampered pets.

You don’t have to a dog lover to enjoy this captivating story, just a lover of a good mystery and an intriguing plot.

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author as part of a virtual blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

[Jeannine]

I was put off by the names of some of the characters, such as Blanche LaRue, and the sentences in the beginning of the book seemed to run on and on. Even in California, I think the names of the characters could be less Hollywood. And, once into the novel, the editing does improve. I was also put off by the amount of money the featured dog rescue group must take in. I am a volunteer for an East Coast boxer rescue group and we are a 501-C organization. The idea of a rescue group having an office (with multiple rooms) is beyond the scope of any East Coast rescue group that I know. They usually operate out of someone's home and everyone involved is a volunteer. Those discrepancies aside, I found the canine behavior and pet owner analysis right on target and I began to enjoy the characters and the plot. The author definitely knows a lot about pets and owners and I want to read more in the series.

[Karen-Leigh]

It was a killer party.

Caro Lamont, Laguna Beach's favorite pet therapist, is thrilled to support the elite fundraising gala for Greys Matter, a SoCal greyhound rescue group. All the guests in the couture-attired crowd are clad in varying shades of grey, the champagne and donations are flowing, and there are fifty gorgeous greyhounds in attendance. But before the evening ends, a stranger in their midst is dead.

Caro sets out to help the rescue group find the identity of the mystery guest but soon finds herself in the doghouse with homicide detective, Judd Malone--oh, and federal agent, John Milner. When there's a second death, Caro is convinced she's on the track of someone who wants a secret to stay buried, but it's a race to see whether Caro can uncover the truth before the killer decides she's next.

[Melina]

I enjoyed reading this whodunit. I liked the characters in the book but I felt that I was kind of lost since this is the first Sparkle Abbey, Pampered Pets Mystery that I have read. I felt, after starting this book, that I should have read the others in the series. There was some background information but not enough. It was still a great book that kept my attention. It has some laugh-out-loud moments in it too. If you love animals and are looking for a great cozy that will keep your attention, then this is the book for you.


I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review

[Diane ~Firefly~]

This continues to be an enjoyable series. This one is about a murder at the greyhound rescue event.

What I enjoyed:
* Caro is a fun character. She actually thinks before she acts most of the time.
* Diana - her passion for dogs and life comes through.
* I like that Betty from Mel's books crossed over and met Caro and Diane at a self defense course.

What could have been better:
* The whole feud between Caro and Mel is played out and I wish they would just reconcile.
* Caro and Sam's relationship needs to grow some.

[Neil Plakcy]

These books just keep getting better! Sparkly prose, enjoyable characters and setting, and a clever plot. When a murder occurs at a fund-raiser for Greys Matter, a greyhound rescue organization, pet therapist Caro Lamont is there to help the dogs over their trauma and to snoop around. I particularly liked the clever way the authors had of inserting bits of interesting information about greyhounds and other breeds. I always learn something from these books, while having a great time!

[Vicky]

I enjoyed the book. It was easy reading and fun too. I like the characters. Of course this book was all about the greyhounds which made it that much more enjoyable. There was mystery and intrigue. I wasn't sure who the murderer was till almost the end. I'm looking forward to reading another book by the Sparkle Abbey.

[Jan Blazanin]

Pet therapist Caro Lamont once again finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery when a stranger is stabbed in the back at a Laguna Beach fundraiser for a greyhound rescue group. With the help of the police department, the FBI, and her good friend Diana, Caro sleuths her way into the center of the investigation and almost gets herself killed--again.

Another fun cozy mystery from Sparkle Abbey.

[Kerrie]

I picked up "50 Shades of Greyhounds" because, well, GREYHOUNDS! It is part of the Pampered Pets series. Other than the tedious recital of wardrobe descriptions (does anyone outside of the fashion industry really care "who" someone is wearing?) it was a fun little who-done-it. No deep psychological or in depth character development or edge-of-the-seat plot twists, but an enjoyable quick read.

[Anne]

I like this series. At first I was hesitant to read it because of the author's name. I found out later it's the name of a cat and a dog. Ok. It's a much more sophisticated cozy than you would imagine. I like the way the story is progressing. At least the main character, Caro, works while she is solving crimes. I had this one figured out. I hate when I do that. It was still enjoyable.

[Sue Ross]

Not enough publicity

I'm so glad someone touched on the plight of the retired greyhounds in this book. They are sweet and gentle animals and often times are abused during their retirement years. This is another really good mystery. I love how in each book a different cousin is spotlighted but always the broach is the main character.

[Meg Mims]

Sparkling team of Sparkle Abbey brings a fifth enjoyable read to their dog/cat series with clever titles and the two feuding cousins, Mel and Caro. This had several great twists - including the brooch! Can't wait for the next one!

[Donna]

Very Entertaining

This was a very entertaining book. I liked the characters and the plot had a nice twist. This book would be great to read at the beach or while on vacation since it is an easy read that keeps you engrossed.

[Jeanie Jackson]

Fun, as always.