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Sassy Shifter Shenanigans #1
Howling for Trouble
Hiding my coyote-shifter secret? Easy. Avoiding romantic disasters every time the moon goes full? I deserve a medal.
Three weeks into my attempt at normalcy (aka hiding from my past), my résumé now includes mocha wrangler, wine pourer, and dog-sitter extraordinaire. Who knew blending lattes, chardonnay, and corgis would be my definition of peace?
When local photography enthusiast and coffee shop regular George Harper is found dead beneath the starlit railway trestle—one I may or may not have been sniffing around myself—the townsfolk swap cozy gossip for rumors about killer coyotes. And guess who’s first in line for suspicion?
Between dodging Animal Control, keeping my furry secret under wraps, and navigating the flirtatious distraction of the annoyingly dimpled delivery guy, my plate's fuller than Millie’s wine cellar during tourist season.
With the annual Star-Watch Festival teetering on disaster, my only choice is to unleash my inner coyote detective—before the real killer strikes again. Because, seriously, running from trouble is hard enough without having to dodge pitchforks and silver bullets too.
Can Roxie solve the murder and find justice for George without exposing her true nature? Or will her own secrets become the next target in a town where nothing stays hidden for long?
Grab your copy of Howling For Trouble today and dive into this delightful paranormal mystery where small towns harbor the biggest secrets!
Three weeks into my attempt at normalcy (aka hiding from my past), my résumé now includes mocha wrangler, wine pourer, and dog-sitter extraordinaire. Who knew blending lattes, chardonnay, and corgis would be my definition of peace?
When local photography enthusiast and coffee shop regular George Harper is found dead beneath the starlit railway trestle—one I may or may not have been sniffing around myself—the townsfolk swap cozy gossip for rumors about killer coyotes. And guess who’s first in line for suspicion?
Between dodging Animal Control, keeping my furry secret under wraps, and navigating the flirtatious distraction of the annoyingly dimpled delivery guy, my plate's fuller than Millie’s wine cellar during tourist season.
With the annual Star-Watch Festival teetering on disaster, my only choice is to unleash my inner coyote detective—before the real killer strikes again. Because, seriously, running from trouble is hard enough without having to dodge pitchforks and silver bullets too.
Can Roxie solve the murder and find justice for George without exposing her true nature? Or will her own secrets become the next target in a town where nothing stays hidden for long?
Grab your copy of Howling For Trouble today and dive into this delightful paranormal mystery where small towns harbor the biggest secrets!
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2025
170 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Campbell
51 books21 followersLibrarian Note: There are multiple authors by this name in the Goodreads database. This profile may contain works from multiple authors.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 21, 2025
some great ideas but can’t connect with the MFC
Rating: 3.5⭐️.
The first in a new paranormal mystery shifter series by prolific authors and co-writers, Isabel Campbell and Michael Anderle, Howling for Trouble has some interesting ideas and engaging elements. I’m just not sure the main character is one of them.
She’s a young coyote shifter on the run from a past life that’s mentioned often but never in anything but an ominous reference type of way. Sort of “oh no, I’m afraid of my secret past life being found out or finding me “, or “I can’t be caged anymore”.
Which when the character seems to actually go out of her way to make it easier for her past life to just stumble onto where she’s now living and investigating murders, well, you know you’re in the TSTL category.
It’s not as though the whole story isn’t engaging. The person at the heart of the investigation was a good person and the reader genuinely feels sorry for his loss. And sorrow for his pet.
That’s another terrific aspect of the story. Roxie, the coyote shifter can communicate with the animals in her care at the Doggy Daycare/Wine Bar she’s employed at. The animals, when they are talking to Roxie aren’t coming across as anthropomorphized animals but more a realistic animal. These aren’t magical or familiars,they are beloved pets.
The townspeople are well crafted and believable in their quirky ways and various jobs. And the town’s well known festival adds to the atmosphere and sense of overall credibility.
And takes away from Roxie’s. Here’s a shifter on the run. She’s only been there a short while. The background information the authors and character feeds the reader is minimal. But, annoyingly, Roxie reminds herself (and us) continually that she’s got huge secrets, she’s a coyote shifter, and she has fled to the town from idk something and somewhere dark.
However, does she upon arriving, do her own investigation into safe places to “shift and run”? No she doesn’t.
During the investigation, does she come up against multiple reporters and photographers getting the “scoop” on celebrities who are in the same mix of the murder investigation? Yes,gets her picture taken, answers the questions. SMH. Just what I’d do if I were hiding.
And it gets worse actually. To the point I thought, I can’t finish it. But by then I was so close, I did. And came back to the conclusion that for me, Roxie is the issue here.
So it’s a 3-book series at this point but I’m stopping here. If you’re a fan of the series or authors, check it out.
Cover by Mihaela Voicu
Sassy Shifter Shenanigans
Howling for Trouble (Book 1)
Moon, Murder, and Mesquite (Book 2)
Rating: 3.5⭐️.
The first in a new paranormal mystery shifter series by prolific authors and co-writers, Isabel Campbell and Michael Anderle, Howling for Trouble has some interesting ideas and engaging elements. I’m just not sure the main character is one of them.
She’s a young coyote shifter on the run from a past life that’s mentioned often but never in anything but an ominous reference type of way. Sort of “oh no, I’m afraid of my secret past life being found out or finding me “, or “I can’t be caged anymore”.
Which when the character seems to actually go out of her way to make it easier for her past life to just stumble onto where she’s now living and investigating murders, well, you know you’re in the TSTL category.
It’s not as though the whole story isn’t engaging. The person at the heart of the investigation was a good person and the reader genuinely feels sorry for his loss. And sorrow for his pet.
That’s another terrific aspect of the story. Roxie, the coyote shifter can communicate with the animals in her care at the Doggy Daycare/Wine Bar she’s employed at. The animals, when they are talking to Roxie aren’t coming across as anthropomorphized animals but more a realistic animal. These aren’t magical or familiars,they are beloved pets.
The townspeople are well crafted and believable in their quirky ways and various jobs. And the town’s well known festival adds to the atmosphere and sense of overall credibility.
And takes away from Roxie’s. Here’s a shifter on the run. She’s only been there a short while. The background information the authors and character feeds the reader is minimal. But, annoyingly, Roxie reminds herself (and us) continually that she’s got huge secrets, she’s a coyote shifter, and she has fled to the town from idk something and somewhere dark.
However, does she upon arriving, do her own investigation into safe places to “shift and run”? No she doesn’t.
During the investigation, does she come up against multiple reporters and photographers getting the “scoop” on celebrities who are in the same mix of the murder investigation? Yes,gets her picture taken, answers the questions. SMH. Just what I’d do if I were hiding.
And it gets worse actually. To the point I thought, I can’t finish it. But by then I was so close, I did. And came back to the conclusion that for me, Roxie is the issue here.
So it’s a 3-book series at this point but I’m stopping here. If you’re a fan of the series or authors, check it out.
Cover by Mihaela Voicu
Sassy Shifter Shenanigans
Howling for Trouble (Book 1)
Moon, Murder, and Mesquite (Book 2)
October 28, 2025
Far too many extra words.
Did Not Finish
January 7, 2026DNF after first few pages – the writing quality didn't appeal.
September 21, 2025
Roxie Ryder is a riot! Smart, sassy and desperate to escape a crazy family situation, she bolts her hometown on a bus to, well, anywhere and finds herself in Howling Hills. A quick interview finds her happily employed by Millie at the pet store, walking pampered pets, pouring wine when needed at Millie’s second business (a winery) and helping wherever Millie needs extra hands). Throw in a room and a safe place to stay, Roxie has a home where she finally feels like she might fit in, for the first time.
After a few weeks Roxie, a secret coyote shifter, thinks she might have found the home she longs for, until one of the beloved locals is found dead, and somehow,Roxie is intertwined in the murder and must help solve the case for her own safety as well as that of her new friends.
Very well written, love the main characters particularly Roxie who just wants a safe home and acceptance (very relatable and lovable) and an absolutely worthwhile read
After a few weeks Roxie, a secret coyote shifter, thinks she might have found the home she longs for, until one of the beloved locals is found dead, and somehow,Roxie is intertwined in the murder and must help solve the case for her own safety as well as that of her new friends.
Very well written, love the main characters particularly Roxie who just wants a safe home and acceptance (very relatable and lovable) and an absolutely worthwhile read
July 17, 2025
This was an entertaining story that I enjoyed
The heroine of the story Roxie is a coyote shape shifter who has fled from her family and the strife that life has caused her. She has ended up in a small town where she works as a dog walker. However when murder happens she uses her senses and that she can communicate with the dogs she walks and a bobcat mix to help solve several mysteries. I particularly liked that she could telepathically connect to the animals and not just fellow canines. I hope this communication involves other species as the stories continue perhaps a sassy raccoon
The heroine of the story Roxie is a coyote shape shifter who has fled from her family and the strife that life has caused her. She has ended up in a small town where she works as a dog walker. However when murder happens she uses her senses and that she can communicate with the dogs she walks and a bobcat mix to help solve several mysteries. I particularly liked that she could telepathically connect to the animals and not just fellow canines. I hope this communication involves other species as the stories continue perhaps a sassy raccoon
April 21, 2026
Providential Paranormal
This book--I want these people to be real. I want to feel the ley lines hum. I am still figuring out if there is only --one-- shifter at Millie's. I am, above all, celebrating that paranormal gifts brought justice for George.
The quality of the writing pulled me in that deep; I was there!
This is my second book by team Writer Izzie and Writer Michael, not my last, of course. I look forward to many more.
I especially appreciate this book's availability on Kindle Unlimited. It's how I find books for my Definite Buys stack.
Content: Clean
Have a Good Read!
This book--I want these people to be real. I want to feel the ley lines hum. I am still figuring out if there is only --one-- shifter at Millie's. I am, above all, celebrating that paranormal gifts brought justice for George.
The quality of the writing pulled me in that deep; I was there!
This is my second book by team Writer Izzie and Writer Michael, not my last, of course. I look forward to many more.
I especially appreciate this book's availability on Kindle Unlimited. It's how I find books for my Definite Buys stack.
Content: Clean
Have a Good Read!
August 16, 2025
A bit dysfunctional
I triple checked, Roxie noted that George's wound did not look like an animal attack. Yet for a long while she was hyper about wild animals being hunted, about her alter life being discovered. The deputy was even measuring animal prints at the scene. And then most of the book was on the towns reaction, not sleuthing. The difference in the focus of the plot was jarring. This is why co-written books don't seem to work well for me. Some loose ends weren't tied up.
Otherwise the characters were good and the gossip mill of a small town was true.
I triple checked, Roxie noted that George's wound did not look like an animal attack. Yet for a long while she was hyper about wild animals being hunted, about her alter life being discovered. The deputy was even measuring animal prints at the scene. And then most of the book was on the towns reaction, not sleuthing. The difference in the focus of the plot was jarring. This is why co-written books don't seem to work well for me. Some loose ends weren't tied up.
Otherwise the characters were good and the gossip mill of a small town was true.
August 29, 2025
Enjoyable start to the series
I like the main character Roxie and enjoyed all the pets she takes care of at the kennel. Due to her being a shifter, she had some funny interactions with the pets, which made me laugh. There was a good mystery that Roxie and her friends needed to solve which added to the story. I was happy that it was solved in this book and now look forward to more mysteries in the next books along with the humor and interesting characters.
I like the main character Roxie and enjoyed all the pets she takes care of at the kennel. Due to her being a shifter, she had some funny interactions with the pets, which made me laugh. There was a good mystery that Roxie and her friends needed to solve which added to the story. I was happy that it was solved in this book and now look forward to more mysteries in the next books along with the humor and interesting characters.
April 9, 2026
OK But …
I’m going to say the author had an idea and just ran with it. Little to no research which lead to multiple inaccuracies. The story was ok if you just read over the inaccuracies.
I’m only going to point out one inaccuracy. She said that the bad guy must be upwind so she couldn’t smell him. That’s false. The bad guy would be down wind and his smell would be traveling away from her. IF he were upwind his smell would be coming right at her.
I’m going to say the author had an idea and just ran with it. Little to no research which lead to multiple inaccuracies. The story was ok if you just read over the inaccuracies.
I’m only going to point out one inaccuracy. She said that the bad guy must be upwind so she couldn’t smell him. That’s false. The bad guy would be down wind and his smell would be traveling away from her. IF he were upwind his smell would be coming right at her.
July 6, 2025
I really liked this story. The characters are vivid, endearing, and I love Diesel's calmness. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed the beloved star gazer and why. The answers were hard won and reasons were beyond unfortunate, yet justice prevailed on two counts. I highly recommend this story.
October 3, 2025
fantstic and rewarding.
I headlined it as fantastic and rewarding because, Firstly i wasn,t expectig the nain character to be what sge was snd rewarding because she actualy succeded to catch the killer of an innocent man and also caught another murderer which didn,t gave anything to do with tye orriginal plot.Well done.Great reading and entertaining as well.xc
I headlined it as fantastic and rewarding because, Firstly i wasn,t expectig the nain character to be what sge was snd rewarding because she actualy succeded to catch the killer of an innocent man and also caught another murderer which didn,t gave anything to do with tye orriginal plot.Well done.Great reading and entertaining as well.xc
April 5, 2026
Quirky little town
Roxie Ryder, coyote shape shifter, has escaped her family's clutches and gained friends and a job in a New Agey town. This book is at times a paranormal murder mystery as Roxie deals with hormones and moon cycle. The author's turn of phrase and comedic descriptions make this A fun read.
Roxie Ryder, coyote shape shifter, has escaped her family's clutches and gained friends and a job in a New Agey town. This book is at times a paranormal murder mystery as Roxie deals with hormones and moon cycle. The author's turn of phrase and comedic descriptions make this A fun read.
October 30, 2025
safety in places
This is a cute story. It was about mismatched people. I felt like at times there needed more cohesion in some places of the story. I liked the characters and I liked the small town feel.
This is a cute story. It was about mismatched people. I felt like at times there needed more cohesion in some places of the story. I liked the characters and I liked the small town feel.
September 7, 2025
Coyote Plus Dog = Murder?
I wasn't sure that I would finish this book but it drew me in. Rocks was a quirky character and Diesel was pure fun. I will read the next one!
I wasn't sure that I would finish this book but it drew me in. Rocks was a quirky character and Diesel was pure fun. I will read the next one!
January 28, 2026
Hidden!
Riveting totally outrageous. One of the best shifter novels I’ve ever read. Looking forward to reading more.
Would recommend it to any shifter fan
Riveting totally outrageous. One of the best shifter novels I’ve ever read. Looking forward to reading more.
Would recommend it to any shifter fan
April 2, 2026
Enjoyed reading the 1st in the series
Enjoyed the characters and the easy pace. Looking forward to the rest of books, already downloaded, and waiting to be read.
Enjoyed the characters and the easy pace. Looking forward to the rest of books, already downloaded, and waiting to be read.
Read
March 23, 2026too “kooky”
This was boring. Not thrilling or exciting or just at all what I expected. It was stupid to say the least. Nothing “mysterious” or “suspenseful” not even a story worth telling tbh. I didn’t like it.
This was boring. Not thrilling or exciting or just at all what I expected. It was stupid to say the least. Nothing “mysterious” or “suspenseful” not even a story worth telling tbh. I didn’t like it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews