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The Dog Park Murders
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Expected 25 Aug 26Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 07:57:16
20 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
A killer has been unleashed in their small town…
Juliette Macintyre has never met a dog she didn’t love. For one thing, dogs don’t judge, unlike the human residents of Labrador Falls. Most locals look at her with suspicion because her father was once a dirty cop, even though Juliette is upbeat, helpful, and the best pet groomer around. She just needs to prove it…starting with new resident Joel Cunningham, an enigma wrapped in a checked shirt and a scowl.
Joel runs the Brewed Awakening café, where the coffee is as smooth as Joel is surly. He doesn’t serve pumpkin spice, he doesn’t chitchat, and he claims he doesn’t like dogs. Yet when Juliette stumbles upon a dead body in the dog park, strangled with one of her custom leashes, Joel becomes an unexpected ally.
He has no intention of opening up, to either his cute neighbor or the foster pup she foists on him. But he can’t let a biased detective frame Juliette for murder. Whoever killed the widely loathed Maurice Allsop may be desperate enough to strike again. If they can just ignore their chemistry and focus on the clues, Juliette and Joel might be able to solve the case—before somebody else bites the dust…
Juliette Macintyre has never met a dog she didn’t love. For one thing, dogs don’t judge, unlike the human residents of Labrador Falls. Most locals look at her with suspicion because her father was once a dirty cop, even though Juliette is upbeat, helpful, and the best pet groomer around. She just needs to prove it…starting with new resident Joel Cunningham, an enigma wrapped in a checked shirt and a scowl.
Joel runs the Brewed Awakening café, where the coffee is as smooth as Joel is surly. He doesn’t serve pumpkin spice, he doesn’t chitchat, and he claims he doesn’t like dogs. Yet when Juliette stumbles upon a dead body in the dog park, strangled with one of her custom leashes, Joel becomes an unexpected ally.
He has no intention of opening up, to either his cute neighbor or the foster pup she foists on him. But he can’t let a biased detective frame Juliette for murder. Whoever killed the widely loathed Maurice Allsop may be desperate enough to strike again. If they can just ignore their chemistry and focus on the clues, Juliette and Joel might be able to solve the case—before somebody else bites the dust…
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 25, 2026
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March 17, 2026Thank you NetGalley and Herlequin-Romance for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Let's start with something good: The novel was short. It was a very quick read.
Now for the rest of the review:
I'm very torn with leaving a rating because I think I set myself and this book up for failure. This isn't something I would ever truly consider reading if there weren't dogs involved in the summary. I love dogs, have worked in the pet business (doggy daycare and vet med) so I figured that if I wanted to expanded my genres, a cozy mystery that had dogs as a main plot of the story, I would like it. I was wrong. I seem to like dogs too much and did NOT enjoy the way the author chose to write the dogs. Not to sound like that person, but no well-bred show line dog that isn't a rare breed costs more than $5,000, and that's even pushing it. "A small fortune" is at least 10 grand, if not more. While I heavily related to Juliette, being all dog obsessed, I found her characterizations of dogs to be very generalized and lackluster. They felt very stereotypical and just pushed forward more bad characterizations of certain breeds that didn't sit right with me.
With that rant out of the way - let's look at the rest of the book. It gave everyone such extreme and cartoonish personalities. I truly felt like everyone we were introduced to got a completely different style with cartoonish personalities. I understand there are people like this out int he world, but in a book where every single character has extreme personalities? Once again, very stereotypical to the point that I just skipped the character intros after the first few because I didn't care for the next overly stereotyped person we are introduced to. These stereotypes even seemed to really consume our MCs, too. They had no depth to them besides their trope of grumpy/sunshine. Grumpy's reasons for being grumpy were quite ridiculous, in the sense that I was waiting for there to be more to why he was so grumpy. Sunshine is only sunshine to prove to the town that actively hates her that they don't mean anything to her even though all she can think about is how much the town hates her and she just wants to be accepted. Like girl, move. This town is absolutely terrible to you and your sister. Get tf outta there. It's as if Juliette is romanticizing her own life that actively sucks just so she can rationalizing staying in the town. The town really has nothing going for it except that it is a small town and she could 100% move to another small town for the same vibes. They would still gossip about her there, but they wouldn't all actively hate her and wish for her downfall.
Everything feels so forced. The sex, the fight after, both of their personalities. There is no dimension to these characters at all. We are being spoon fed these lines that should hit us emotionally, but nothing happens. Same with the trying hard to be inspirational. Almost every line of advice is forced and doesn't land right. Not to mention the killer reveal was subpar.
If I ever remember, I will come back and star the review. Since I said to start that I felt like I set the book up for failure, I don't want to hurt the book's ratings before it even comes out because the author did out time and effort into this novel. Also, this might be the right thing for someone else who likes this genre. I thought I wanted to branch out, but turns out, I like what I like.
Let's start with something good: The novel was short. It was a very quick read.
Now for the rest of the review:
I'm very torn with leaving a rating because I think I set myself and this book up for failure. This isn't something I would ever truly consider reading if there weren't dogs involved in the summary. I love dogs, have worked in the pet business (doggy daycare and vet med) so I figured that if I wanted to expanded my genres, a cozy mystery that had dogs as a main plot of the story, I would like it. I was wrong. I seem to like dogs too much and did NOT enjoy the way the author chose to write the dogs. Not to sound like that person, but no well-bred show line dog that isn't a rare breed costs more than $5,000, and that's even pushing it. "A small fortune" is at least 10 grand, if not more. While I heavily related to Juliette, being all dog obsessed, I found her characterizations of dogs to be very generalized and lackluster. They felt very stereotypical and just pushed forward more bad characterizations of certain breeds that didn't sit right with me.
With that rant out of the way - let's look at the rest of the book. It gave everyone such extreme and cartoonish personalities. I truly felt like everyone we were introduced to got a completely different style with cartoonish personalities. I understand there are people like this out int he world, but in a book where every single character has extreme personalities? Once again, very stereotypical to the point that I just skipped the character intros after the first few because I didn't care for the next overly stereotyped person we are introduced to. These stereotypes even seemed to really consume our MCs, too. They had no depth to them besides their trope of grumpy/sunshine. Grumpy's reasons for being grumpy were quite ridiculous, in the sense that I was waiting for there to be more to why he was so grumpy. Sunshine is only sunshine to prove to the town that actively hates her that they don't mean anything to her even though all she can think about is how much the town hates her and she just wants to be accepted. Like girl, move. This town is absolutely terrible to you and your sister. Get tf outta there. It's as if Juliette is romanticizing her own life that actively sucks just so she can rationalizing staying in the town. The town really has nothing going for it except that it is a small town and she could 100% move to another small town for the same vibes. They would still gossip about her there, but they wouldn't all actively hate her and wish for her downfall.
Everything feels so forced. The sex, the fight after, both of their personalities. There is no dimension to these characters at all. We are being spoon fed these lines that should hit us emotionally, but nothing happens. Same with the trying hard to be inspirational. Almost every line of advice is forced and doesn't land right. Not to mention the killer reveal was subpar.
If I ever remember, I will come back and star the review. Since I said to start that I felt like I set the book up for failure, I don't want to hurt the book's ratings before it even comes out because the author did out time and effort into this novel. Also, this might be the right thing for someone else who likes this genre. I thought I wanted to branch out, but turns out, I like what I like.
May 16, 2026
got to read my first ARC because of my new job!
this book felt like a hallmark movie. I will say, I think the first two thirds were a bit slow with long chapters, but the last third sped up to a pace I’d expect with a mystery book.
this book felt like a hallmark movie. I will say, I think the first two thirds were a bit slow with long chapters, but the last third sped up to a pace I’d expect with a mystery book.
March 23, 2026
*Thank you Harlequin for this advanced copy.*
While this was ultimately a light-hearted and fairly enjoyable read, I did walk away with quite a few gripes. I should preface this by saying that over the years I’ve fallen somewhat out of favour with romance novels. However, this one piqued my interest because of the murder-mystery element and the inclusion of dogs—two things that made me curious enough to give it a try.
I do enjoy a good grumpy–sunshine trope, but only when it’s handled with some subtlety. Here, it felt far too on the nose. Rather than allowing the dynamic to emerge naturally through character interactions, the MMC quite literally calls her “sunshine” multiple times. Pet names can be charming, but they lose their charm when they feel generic or overused. Where was the individuality? The creativity? Instead of being shown the chemistry and emotional texture of the relationship, we are frequently told what it is supposed to be.
This extends beyond the romance. Much of the writing felt overly explanatory, as though every emotional beat or character trait had to be spelled out rather than allowed to unfold through context or subtext. It gave the impression that the reader wasn’t trusted to piece together the nuances of human interaction on their own.
The quirky small-town setting is clearly aiming for that cosy, nostalgic atmosphere that many readers love right now—the kind of charm often associated with something like Gilmore Girls. Unfortunately, the town and its folks never quite came alive for me. The characters we meet along the way felt more like sketches of personalities rather than fully realised individuals, which made the setting itself feel flatter than it probably intended to be.
The dogs, admittedly, were fun. Their presence added a playful element and were one of the more enjoyable aspects of the book. That said, their role sometimes felt a bit excessive. They were woven into the narrative so frequently that it occasionally tipped from charming into slightly over-the-top.
Finally, the murder mystery—which was the element that initially drew me in—felt underdeveloped. It often seemed pushed into the background in favour of the romance and the town’s antics. For a story that introduces such a potentially intriguing hook, I expected that aspect to carry more narrative weight or tension.
I love a book that embraces a bit of weirdness, and there are certainly ways to lean into that tone successfully. Unfortunately, this one ended up sitting in an awkward space somewhere between cosy and quirky without fully committing to either. It’s frustrating, because there are ingredients here that could have made for something truly delightful. I wanted to love it—but in the end, it never quite came together.
While this was ultimately a light-hearted and fairly enjoyable read, I did walk away with quite a few gripes. I should preface this by saying that over the years I’ve fallen somewhat out of favour with romance novels. However, this one piqued my interest because of the murder-mystery element and the inclusion of dogs—two things that made me curious enough to give it a try.
I do enjoy a good grumpy–sunshine trope, but only when it’s handled with some subtlety. Here, it felt far too on the nose. Rather than allowing the dynamic to emerge naturally through character interactions, the MMC quite literally calls her “sunshine” multiple times. Pet names can be charming, but they lose their charm when they feel generic or overused. Where was the individuality? The creativity? Instead of being shown the chemistry and emotional texture of the relationship, we are frequently told what it is supposed to be.
This extends beyond the romance. Much of the writing felt overly explanatory, as though every emotional beat or character trait had to be spelled out rather than allowed to unfold through context or subtext. It gave the impression that the reader wasn’t trusted to piece together the nuances of human interaction on their own.
The quirky small-town setting is clearly aiming for that cosy, nostalgic atmosphere that many readers love right now—the kind of charm often associated with something like Gilmore Girls. Unfortunately, the town and its folks never quite came alive for me. The characters we meet along the way felt more like sketches of personalities rather than fully realised individuals, which made the setting itself feel flatter than it probably intended to be.
The dogs, admittedly, were fun. Their presence added a playful element and were one of the more enjoyable aspects of the book. That said, their role sometimes felt a bit excessive. They were woven into the narrative so frequently that it occasionally tipped from charming into slightly over-the-top.
Finally, the murder mystery—which was the element that initially drew me in—felt underdeveloped. It often seemed pushed into the background in favour of the romance and the town’s antics. For a story that introduces such a potentially intriguing hook, I expected that aspect to carry more narrative weight or tension.
I love a book that embraces a bit of weirdness, and there are certainly ways to lean into that tone successfully. Unfortunately, this one ended up sitting in an awkward space somewhere between cosy and quirky without fully committing to either. It’s frustrating, because there are ingredients here that could have made for something truly delightful. I wanted to love it—but in the end, it never quite came together.
March 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher and author for a free advance copy. I really enjoyed this book. It drew me in from the start which is a bit rare. There is plot with the mystery, not too complicated but descent enough to be interesting. The characters were likeable and the dogs a lot too! There were elements of classic chic lit but i liked the fact they were satirically mentioned in the book too. Clever writing, interesting, funny, kept me wanting to keep on reading. I only took a star out because of the classic romantic stuff. I must say i kept thinking that yes the romance is there and some of the usual descriptions filling in random details but not too much. I could keep the focal story in mind and it didn’t break the focus from the plot. Will be looking for more from the author. It was a fun and relaxing read
April 11, 2026
The Dog Park Murders by Angela Barker is a cozy mystery romance set in the dog-loving town of Labrador Falls. When a murder shakes the community, Juliette quickly becomes a prime suspect after discovering the body. Determined to clear her name, she joins forces with Joel—a grumpy, newly arrived coffee shop owner—to uncover the truth. As they dig deeper into the mystery, their partnership turns personal, and a slow-burn connection begins to form as they open up about their pasts.
This was a charming, feel-good read with a thoughtfully crafted plot. The small-town atmosphere and shared obsession with dogs added a fun, cozy vibe, and the characters felt relatable and easy to root for. Digger absolutely stole the show with his personality. There’s just a touch of spice—enough to add to the romance without taking away from the heart of the story.
This was a charming, feel-good read with a thoughtfully crafted plot. The small-town atmosphere and shared obsession with dogs added a fun, cozy vibe, and the characters felt relatable and easy to root for. Digger absolutely stole the show with his personality. There’s just a touch of spice—enough to add to the romance without taking away from the heart of the story.
May 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin publishing and Angela Barker for an advanced eARC of this book!
The Dog Park Murders is a cozy romance mixed with murder mystery set in the small town of Labrador Falls. When tragedy strikes and a murder upends the entire town, and Juliette is being blamed for the murder, Juliette and Joel set out to clear her name.
I absolutely loved this book! It delivered in every aspect. I loved the cozy mystery mixed with romance. Two of my favourite genres mixed together! I also found the addition of the dogs and their commentary so funny & absolutely adorable. It made for a light hearted read and I definitely recommend!
The Dog Park Murders is a cozy romance mixed with murder mystery set in the small town of Labrador Falls. When tragedy strikes and a murder upends the entire town, and Juliette is being blamed for the murder, Juliette and Joel set out to clear her name.
I absolutely loved this book! It delivered in every aspect. I loved the cozy mystery mixed with romance. Two of my favourite genres mixed together! I also found the addition of the dogs and their commentary so funny & absolutely adorable. It made for a light hearted read and I definitely recommend!
April 9, 2026
It was a cute book. The mystery kept me on my toes and guessing from the beginning. And let me tell you, I had no idea who it was. Had some suspects but they’re were all wrong. The romance was okay, but I thought they worked best as friends, since I didnt really see chemistry between the two. Loved Juliet sunshine personality eve with all her insecurities, she was funny, kind and supportive. Joel was mysterious, grumpy and loyal. The way they partnered up to solve a murder was cute and funny most times! I also really loved the whole dog community! I wish we had that community and love for dogs in real life! Loved the dogs part in it and I think they really brought the book together, especially Pomeranian killer dog 😂
May 15, 2026
thank you to netgalley for the arc. ‘the dog park murders’ is a classic small-town, cozy crime mystery perfect for the autumn season. it’s filled with quirky characters, all of whom have a cute canine companion and often, a business with a pun in the title. the two leads are likeable, both with an interesting history, and their romance is enjoyable to read. i did feel like i never really connected with the characters or the story fully however. but i love dogs and the dog-centric aspect of this book definitely gave it a new edge. it’s a quick, lighthearted read that i would definitely recommend to romance enjoyers or dog lovers!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I need this on record: this is one of the worst books I have ever read. It is genuinely embarrassing.
This gives heavy Baby Dragon Cafe energy (my most hated book series of all time) with its cringe dialogue, forced charm, awkward spice, shallow characterisation, and a desperate attempt to manufacture a cute, lived-in small town that never feels authentic. It tries so hard to be whimsical and cosy that it ends up feeling repetitive, shallow, and painfully one-note.
It collapses under its own gimmick within the first few pages.
The book claims to be The Pumpkin Spice Café meets Only Murders in the Building. That immediately got my attention! I was sat.
It is nothing of the sort.
The marketing is doing some HEAVY lifting.
There is nothing cosy about this. You can’t slap a small town setting on something and call it cosy. Cosy requires atmosphere, warmth, believable community dynamics, fun characters, and an actual plot.
This had none of that.
The atmosphere never delivers that warm, comforting, curl-up-with-a-blanket feeling. It all feels so hollow.
I very nearly DNFed this two pages in. The opening scene was my warning. I didn't listen. We open with a very suggestive scene. Think thighs shaking, FMC on all fours, moaning, Brad licking somewhere very suggestive. Like, okay! Just jumping straight in without any preamble. Respect.
Then it’s revealed that Brad… is a dog.
I don’t know why it grossed me out as much as it did. It’s trying to be clever as a bait-and-switch, but I cringed so hard I think I broke a rib. I had to pause and question my life choices before continuing.
And then the pattern begins.
From there, the book becomes a relentless cycle of dogs. Not metaphorically. Literally.
The entire book is dogs.
People looking at dogs. Talking about dogs. Thinking about dogs. Walking dogs. Feeding dogs.
Every conversation. Every emotional revelation. Every argument. Every character arc. Dogs.
The story is so singularly obsessed with dogs that it stops feeling like a plot and starts feeling like a themed brochure. Entire chapters pass without anything moving forward because nothing exists outside the dog fixation. There is no escalation or complexity, just repetition dressed up as content.
It is repetitive to the point of absurdity.
I am NOT exaggerating. There are maybe two conversations in the entire book that don’t revolve around dogs. There isn’t a single plot point that doesn’t involve dogs. Every emotional beat. Every revelation. Every trauma.
Dogs, dogs, dogs.
I know what you're thinking. "But Sadie, it's called The Dog Park Murders, surely you expected dogs?" Well, yeah. I expected a lot of dogs, but not at the expense of character growth and an interesting, engaging plot.
It becomes exhausting.
It genuinely feels like the author ran out of ideas but decided to double down instead of expanding the world or giving their characters depth.
Joel’s trauma? He’s divorced. His wife got custody of the dog. That’s it.
That is the grand emotional wound that supposedly explains why he is closed off, negative, distrusting, and emotionally damaged. The book treats it with extreme reverence, as if it’s profound psychological devastation.
It isn’t layered or compelling. It feels inflated purely to manufacture depth.
Honestly, all the “trauma” in this book reads like parody.
It’s giving: “One time I bought my dog a collar and he didn’t like it… how can I ever trust again? 😭😭😭”
It’s impossible to take seriously.
I was actually curious at the start. I thought, surely there must be something substantial behind this brooding exterior. What made him so whiny? So emotionally shut down?
Nope.
That’s the big reveal. (okay, there's a little more than that, but it all gets overshadowed by the dog stuff)
I found it all incredibly stupid. It’s not meaningful. It’s not nuanced. It feels trivialised and stretched to pretend there’s emotional weight where there isn’t any.
There are constant fake-out introductions where characters are described with dramatic detail and emotional framing, only for it to be a dog. Over and over again. It stops being clever immediately and becomes embarrassing. It feels childish rather than witty.
The romance didn't work at all. I didn’t believe the chemistry between Juliette and Joel for a second. They felt more like siblings than romantic leads. There's no spark or tension. Zero emotional pull. Individually they were barely fine; together they were completely flat and the dynamic never clicked. The relationship never develops organic heat or intimacy, it simply happens because the genre requires it.
Joel in particular was exhausting. I love a grumpy x sunshine dynamic when it’s done well. This wasn’t that.
This was a man who treated every minor inconvenience like a catastrophe. Making a phone call felt unbearable. Existing felt unbearable. His internal monologue was constant negativity. Dude never got out of his emo phase. Instead of being broody or complex, he was draining. Tedious. Emotionally flat.
The mystery is barely present and every moment of tension feels fake. Arguments between side characters flare up and are resolved almost immediately. We get these 'dramatic' confrontations that last maybe three lines, and then everything is back to normal. No buildup, consequences, or sustained stakes. Conflict exists only to create noise, and then promptly disappears.
Pure filler tension.
People snap at each other over trivial misunderstandings that feel artificially inflated. There’s no depth behind anything.
And the spice?
Oh my.
The spice is bad. Just plain bad.
There’s buildup. There are hints. There are repeated suggestions of intensity. And when it finally happens... it’s vague and completely underwhelming. It doesn't deliver on the expectations it sets and feels like the book teases something stronger but never commits.
I wonder if the spice would have been better if Joel was an actual dog? Because I honestly thought that was the direction this book was heading in... I would have given an extra half star for unhinged creativity, at least.
This is a book that wants to feel whimsical and heartfelt but instead reads as creatively limited. It's stagnant and one-dimensional.
It's not charming.
It's not clever.
It's not cosy.
It's an exhausting loop of dogs, forced drama, hollow trauma, nonexistent mystery, flat romance, and undercooked spice.
One of the most disappointing reads I've ever endured.
This gives heavy Baby Dragon Cafe energy (my most hated book series of all time) with its cringe dialogue, forced charm, awkward spice, shallow characterisation, and a desperate attempt to manufacture a cute, lived-in small town that never feels authentic. It tries so hard to be whimsical and cosy that it ends up feeling repetitive, shallow, and painfully one-note.
It collapses under its own gimmick within the first few pages.
The book claims to be The Pumpkin Spice Café meets Only Murders in the Building. That immediately got my attention! I was sat.
It is nothing of the sort.
The marketing is doing some HEAVY lifting.
There is nothing cosy about this. You can’t slap a small town setting on something and call it cosy. Cosy requires atmosphere, warmth, believable community dynamics, fun characters, and an actual plot.
This had none of that.
The atmosphere never delivers that warm, comforting, curl-up-with-a-blanket feeling. It all feels so hollow.
I very nearly DNFed this two pages in. The opening scene was my warning. I didn't listen. We open with a very suggestive scene. Think thighs shaking, FMC on all fours, moaning, Brad licking somewhere very suggestive. Like, okay! Just jumping straight in without any preamble. Respect.
Then it’s revealed that Brad… is a dog.
I don’t know why it grossed me out as much as it did. It’s trying to be clever as a bait-and-switch, but I cringed so hard I think I broke a rib. I had to pause and question my life choices before continuing.
And then the pattern begins.
From there, the book becomes a relentless cycle of dogs. Not metaphorically. Literally.
The entire book is dogs.
People looking at dogs. Talking about dogs. Thinking about dogs. Walking dogs. Feeding dogs.
Every conversation. Every emotional revelation. Every argument. Every character arc. Dogs.
The story is so singularly obsessed with dogs that it stops feeling like a plot and starts feeling like a themed brochure. Entire chapters pass without anything moving forward because nothing exists outside the dog fixation. There is no escalation or complexity, just repetition dressed up as content.
It is repetitive to the point of absurdity.
I am NOT exaggerating. There are maybe two conversations in the entire book that don’t revolve around dogs. There isn’t a single plot point that doesn’t involve dogs. Every emotional beat. Every revelation. Every trauma.
Dogs, dogs, dogs.
I know what you're thinking. "But Sadie, it's called The Dog Park Murders, surely you expected dogs?" Well, yeah. I expected a lot of dogs, but not at the expense of character growth and an interesting, engaging plot.
It becomes exhausting.
It genuinely feels like the author ran out of ideas but decided to double down instead of expanding the world or giving their characters depth.
Joel’s trauma? He’s divorced. His wife got custody of the dog. That’s it.
That is the grand emotional wound that supposedly explains why he is closed off, negative, distrusting, and emotionally damaged. The book treats it with extreme reverence, as if it’s profound psychological devastation.
It isn’t layered or compelling. It feels inflated purely to manufacture depth.
Honestly, all the “trauma” in this book reads like parody.
It’s giving: “One time I bought my dog a collar and he didn’t like it… how can I ever trust again? 😭😭😭”
It’s impossible to take seriously.
I was actually curious at the start. I thought, surely there must be something substantial behind this brooding exterior. What made him so whiny? So emotionally shut down?
Nope.
That’s the big reveal. (okay, there's a little more than that, but it all gets overshadowed by the dog stuff)
I found it all incredibly stupid. It’s not meaningful. It’s not nuanced. It feels trivialised and stretched to pretend there’s emotional weight where there isn’t any.
There are constant fake-out introductions where characters are described with dramatic detail and emotional framing, only for it to be a dog. Over and over again. It stops being clever immediately and becomes embarrassing. It feels childish rather than witty.
The romance didn't work at all. I didn’t believe the chemistry between Juliette and Joel for a second. They felt more like siblings than romantic leads. There's no spark or tension. Zero emotional pull. Individually they were barely fine; together they were completely flat and the dynamic never clicked. The relationship never develops organic heat or intimacy, it simply happens because the genre requires it.
Joel in particular was exhausting. I love a grumpy x sunshine dynamic when it’s done well. This wasn’t that.
This was a man who treated every minor inconvenience like a catastrophe. Making a phone call felt unbearable. Existing felt unbearable. His internal monologue was constant negativity. Dude never got out of his emo phase. Instead of being broody or complex, he was draining. Tedious. Emotionally flat.
The mystery is barely present and every moment of tension feels fake. Arguments between side characters flare up and are resolved almost immediately. We get these 'dramatic' confrontations that last maybe three lines, and then everything is back to normal. No buildup, consequences, or sustained stakes. Conflict exists only to create noise, and then promptly disappears.
Pure filler tension.
People snap at each other over trivial misunderstandings that feel artificially inflated. There’s no depth behind anything.
And the spice?
Oh my.
The spice is bad. Just plain bad.
There’s buildup. There are hints. There are repeated suggestions of intensity. And when it finally happens... it’s vague and completely underwhelming. It doesn't deliver on the expectations it sets and feels like the book teases something stronger but never commits.
I wonder if the spice would have been better if Joel was an actual dog? Because I honestly thought that was the direction this book was heading in... I would have given an extra half star for unhinged creativity, at least.
This is a book that wants to feel whimsical and heartfelt but instead reads as creatively limited. It's stagnant and one-dimensional.
It's not charming.
It's not clever.
It's not cosy.
It's an exhausting loop of dogs, forced drama, hollow trauma, nonexistent mystery, flat romance, and undercooked spice.
One of the most disappointing reads I've ever endured.
May 16, 2026
I read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley!
I was intrigued by the title and the murder mystery/ cute cover was what drew me to this book. Unfortunately, it was not a page-turner. This book just didn’t have that *thrill* that I was hoping for. The drama felt disjointed and it felt hard to connect with any parts of the storyline.
With that said, it felt like a story you might see on Hallmark. It had some romance, some drama, and, yes, even some dogs.
I was intrigued by the title and the murder mystery/ cute cover was what drew me to this book. Unfortunately, it was not a page-turner. This book just didn’t have that *thrill* that I was hoping for. The drama felt disjointed and it felt hard to connect with any parts of the storyline.
With that said, it felt like a story you might see on Hallmark. It had some romance, some drama, and, yes, even some dogs.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Juliette had a rough start in life - small town, her father a dirty cop.. The rumors spread themselves. But she's making her way in life, she's sunshine personified, works in dog grooming, trying her best to stand up for animals.. Which is exactly what lands her in trouble - the day after she's been seen publicly yelling at a man in the dog park, being dismissed by police even, that man is found dead, in the dog park. By her. The murder weapon? A dog leash from her place of work, only she has access to.. With her history, the case seems cut and dry for the police, so obviously it's time Juliette learns how to solve a murder herself.. Luckily she's got her new business neighbour, grumpy coffee shop owner Joel, enlisted to help her.
This book was just as fun, lighthearted and refreshing as the cover promises - and it doesn't even take itself too seriously either, with every single business in the place having some funny joke type of name too for example. Or the way dogs were included in this book - not only does the dog breed somehow match the owner usually and then in turn the respective business they work at / run.. No, those dogs have their own dialogue and sometimes a pretty fun one on top. The whole book not being super serious about itself was something I hadn't really experienced so far - and at first it was little bit hard to read if I'm being honest because you know.. While for example grumpy x sunshine is a very popular trope, it's something else to watch it play out here with both sides actively calling themselves / each other just that (especially Joel who keeps calling Juliette sunshine, Disney princess etc). That definitively took a bit for me to get on board with but overall, this just actually shows how light and fun this book wants to be in the parts where it can - it's not serious until it has to be. Really fits Juliette as a character actually and as such.. Very nicely done.
Beside the romance you also get a little bit of a murder mystery - since no one else is solving the crime, Juliette has to unless she wants to go to prison for it - and a bit of a personal growth and healing journey on Joel's part - the guy has a whole traumatic past he ran away from after all. That last aspect, Joel's story, is done very well, I was really impressed with it. You only slowly find out what really happened to him and why, and ugh, no wonder he is who he is.. And for that reason I really quite liked the way romance was used here.
The murder mystery was fun - I mean Juliette has no idea what she's doing, so she's looking up online how to solve a crime, just doing her best.. Which just goes so well with her character and personality.. And in turn the book itself. The ending has a bit of everything as well - this book tells you on the cover already exactly what it is and doesn't hide any aspect of that throughout.. and yet still pulls it off in an interesting way that keeps you guessing.
The writing fits the story well, easy to read and enjoy with a lot of silly jokes - I mean just have a look at the names of both the main characters places of business, What the fluff and Brewed Awakening. This is the exact vibe of the whole story, and a perfect example for the kind of humor you get along the way. I've never read a cozy murder mystery romance before, the mix just seemed wild and still, it just works. Every element is there, every one of them gets its time to shine, nothing outweighs the rest in any way and.. I just had fun and I want more just like this.
Overall, definitively a fun, cozy, happy-and-yet-not read, I really wouldn't have wanted to miss. It's going to make you crave some cinnamon rolls though!
Thank you Harlequin - Romance for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book was just as fun, lighthearted and refreshing as the cover promises - and it doesn't even take itself too seriously either, with every single business in the place having some funny joke type of name too for example. Or the way dogs were included in this book - not only does the dog breed somehow match the owner usually and then in turn the respective business they work at / run.. No, those dogs have their own dialogue and sometimes a pretty fun one on top. The whole book not being super serious about itself was something I hadn't really experienced so far - and at first it was little bit hard to read if I'm being honest because you know.. While for example grumpy x sunshine is a very popular trope, it's something else to watch it play out here with both sides actively calling themselves / each other just that (especially Joel who keeps calling Juliette sunshine, Disney princess etc). That definitively took a bit for me to get on board with but overall, this just actually shows how light and fun this book wants to be in the parts where it can - it's not serious until it has to be. Really fits Juliette as a character actually and as such.. Very nicely done.
Beside the romance you also get a little bit of a murder mystery - since no one else is solving the crime, Juliette has to unless she wants to go to prison for it - and a bit of a personal growth and healing journey on Joel's part - the guy has a whole traumatic past he ran away from after all. That last aspect, Joel's story, is done very well, I was really impressed with it. You only slowly find out what really happened to him and why, and ugh, no wonder he is who he is.. And for that reason I really quite liked the way romance was used here.
The murder mystery was fun - I mean Juliette has no idea what she's doing, so she's looking up online how to solve a crime, just doing her best.. Which just goes so well with her character and personality.. And in turn the book itself. The ending has a bit of everything as well - this book tells you on the cover already exactly what it is and doesn't hide any aspect of that throughout.. and yet still pulls it off in an interesting way that keeps you guessing.
The writing fits the story well, easy to read and enjoy with a lot of silly jokes - I mean just have a look at the names of both the main characters places of business, What the fluff and Brewed Awakening. This is the exact vibe of the whole story, and a perfect example for the kind of humor you get along the way. I've never read a cozy murder mystery romance before, the mix just seemed wild and still, it just works. Every element is there, every one of them gets its time to shine, nothing outweighs the rest in any way and.. I just had fun and I want more just like this.
Overall, definitively a fun, cozy, happy-and-yet-not read, I really wouldn't have wanted to miss. It's going to make you crave some cinnamon rolls though!
Thank you Harlequin - Romance for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 10, 2026
Sunshines, Smoothies, and Suspicion - ARC provided by author
I am officially charmed by Labrador Falls! I gave The Dog Park Murders a 4-star rating. It is a delightful "cozy-ish" mystery that pairs a "Disney Princess" energy with a gritty murder investigation and a side of grumpy-hero caffeine.
The Story & The Vibe
Juliette is a dog groomer with "golden retriever energy" who just wants to be liked, despite her family's complicated history with the local law enforcement. Her world at What The Fluff is turned upside down when she finds a body at the dog park - strangled with a leash from her own shop. Enter Joel, the gruff, PSL-hating owner of Brewed Awakening, who has his own tragic past and a serious aversion to dogs (initially!). When the local detective; a "nepo baby" with a grudge;sets his sights on Juliette, she has to team up with Joel to clear her name.
Why it Works:
• The Dynamic: The "Grumpy/Sunshine" trope is done so well here. Juliette’s "Hallmark lens" clashing with Joel’s "borderline horrific cynicism" provides amazing banter. Watching this "Disney Princess" reveal her fire and "dirty stuff" side was a highlight.
• The Dogs: If you love animals, this is a must-read. From Digger the Jack Russell sidekick to "Satan’s Cotton Ball" (aka Marshmallow), the "dog thoughts" and internal monologues provide the perfect comedic breaks from the mystery.
• Small-Town Realism: The book perfectly captures the double-edged sword of small-town life: the supportive community versus the "biases and grudges" that can colour a police investigation. The "Scooby-Doo" investigation style felt earned and fun.
• The Mystery: The "Serenity twist" was something I truly did not see coming! It was well-paced and made perfect sense within the framework of the story.
This was a fantastic, light-hearted read with enough of an edge to keep it from being too sugary. It handles themes of trauma and family "disgrace" with care while keeping the "bondage yoga" and "dick clouds" humour flowing. It’s a story about finding your own "HEA" (Happily Ever After) even when the town is rooting against you.
The Standout Quotes:
"I mean, men smell... but some of us still date you instead of spending the evening with a good book."
"Your cynicism is borderline horrific." / "There’s not much difference between happily ever afters and Middle Earth."
In Labrador Falls, the truth is harder to find than a quiet husky; a 4-star mystery that proves even a Disney Princess can handle a murder if she has the right dog (and the right coffee) by her side.
I am officially charmed by Labrador Falls! I gave The Dog Park Murders a 4-star rating. It is a delightful "cozy-ish" mystery that pairs a "Disney Princess" energy with a gritty murder investigation and a side of grumpy-hero caffeine.
The Story & The Vibe
Juliette is a dog groomer with "golden retriever energy" who just wants to be liked, despite her family's complicated history with the local law enforcement. Her world at What The Fluff is turned upside down when she finds a body at the dog park - strangled with a leash from her own shop. Enter Joel, the gruff, PSL-hating owner of Brewed Awakening, who has his own tragic past and a serious aversion to dogs (initially!). When the local detective; a "nepo baby" with a grudge;sets his sights on Juliette, she has to team up with Joel to clear her name.
Why it Works:
• The Dynamic: The "Grumpy/Sunshine" trope is done so well here. Juliette’s "Hallmark lens" clashing with Joel’s "borderline horrific cynicism" provides amazing banter. Watching this "Disney Princess" reveal her fire and "dirty stuff" side was a highlight.
• The Dogs: If you love animals, this is a must-read. From Digger the Jack Russell sidekick to "Satan’s Cotton Ball" (aka Marshmallow), the "dog thoughts" and internal monologues provide the perfect comedic breaks from the mystery.
• Small-Town Realism: The book perfectly captures the double-edged sword of small-town life: the supportive community versus the "biases and grudges" that can colour a police investigation. The "Scooby-Doo" investigation style felt earned and fun.
• The Mystery: The "Serenity twist" was something I truly did not see coming! It was well-paced and made perfect sense within the framework of the story.
This was a fantastic, light-hearted read with enough of an edge to keep it from being too sugary. It handles themes of trauma and family "disgrace" with care while keeping the "bondage yoga" and "dick clouds" humour flowing. It’s a story about finding your own "HEA" (Happily Ever After) even when the town is rooting against you.
The Standout Quotes:
"I mean, men smell... but some of us still date you instead of spending the evening with a good book."
"Your cynicism is borderline horrific." / "There’s not much difference between happily ever afters and Middle Earth."
In Labrador Falls, the truth is harder to find than a quiet husky; a 4-star mystery that proves even a Disney Princess can handle a murder if she has the right dog (and the right coffee) by her side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy!!
One of the best books ive read this year so far. Lets unpack this.
The Dog Park Murders follows Juliette Macintyre, a worker at a groom shop in a town named Labrador Falls, as she finds a murdered man in their local dog park and gets framed for it. And, as every right sunshine determined to please, she cracks the case, while meeting a brute coffee shop owner, Joel.
Juliette is the definition of a misunderstood sunshine. She is very giving, kind and cheerful, always trying for the world to make a place for her, trying to prove herself with a smile plastered, while being judged by everyone because of something her dad has done in the past. Her heart, despite being wounded so many times, was always open to love and give and give so much to everybody, even those who hurt her, always willing to give a second chance. Some call it naivete, but this... this is someone who no matter what, believed the world can be good. She was a foster mom of a dog named Digger, and she took the best care for him that anybody else couldn't. She surrounded herself with people who believed in her goodness and helped her, no matter what.
Joel, on the other hand, was closed off, gruff and appeared grumpy, but truly, he was so wounded by the world, he became bitter. He moved across a country after his whole life was broken apart. He was hurt, kicked down and wounded, and he chose to just.. leave. And thats the real part here. He chose loneliness over change. And thats how it usually looks. But then, he met "Dinsey Princess", and fell head over heels. And this man, he changed.
He suffered a tragic experience as a firefighter, leaving him with quite the trauma and hints onto PTSD. But despite all of that, inside, he was the same old guy - funny and absolutely smitten by furry friends. You just have to believe in him. I think that the best part is that he was so well mannered. Truly a gem in this world, and I do think he kicked up in my list of book boyfriends.
This book was filled with found family, murder intrigue and furry friends at every steps. It was funny and witty, but with a balance of being deep. Miscommunication here was next to zero. They tried to communicate. Thats what I personally really enjoyed. It shows you just how much you need other people around you to not forget how it feels to be loved.
One of the best books ive read this year so far. Lets unpack this.
The Dog Park Murders follows Juliette Macintyre, a worker at a groom shop in a town named Labrador Falls, as she finds a murdered man in their local dog park and gets framed for it. And, as every right sunshine determined to please, she cracks the case, while meeting a brute coffee shop owner, Joel.
Juliette is the definition of a misunderstood sunshine. She is very giving, kind and cheerful, always trying for the world to make a place for her, trying to prove herself with a smile plastered, while being judged by everyone because of something her dad has done in the past. Her heart, despite being wounded so many times, was always open to love and give and give so much to everybody, even those who hurt her, always willing to give a second chance. Some call it naivete, but this... this is someone who no matter what, believed the world can be good. She was a foster mom of a dog named Digger, and she took the best care for him that anybody else couldn't. She surrounded herself with people who believed in her goodness and helped her, no matter what.
Joel, on the other hand, was closed off, gruff and appeared grumpy, but truly, he was so wounded by the world, he became bitter. He moved across a country after his whole life was broken apart. He was hurt, kicked down and wounded, and he chose to just.. leave. And thats the real part here. He chose loneliness over change. And thats how it usually looks. But then, he met "Dinsey Princess", and fell head over heels. And this man, he changed.
He suffered a tragic experience as a firefighter, leaving him with quite the trauma and hints onto PTSD. But despite all of that, inside, he was the same old guy - funny and absolutely smitten by furry friends. You just have to believe in him. I think that the best part is that he was so well mannered. Truly a gem in this world, and I do think he kicked up in my list of book boyfriends.
This book was filled with found family, murder intrigue and furry friends at every steps. It was funny and witty, but with a balance of being deep. Miscommunication here was next to zero. They tried to communicate. Thats what I personally really enjoyed. It shows you just how much you need other people around you to not forget how it feels to be loved.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one had such a fun premise—small town, dogs everywhere, and a murder tied to the dog park? I was in immediately.
The story follows Juliette, a dog groomer who already feels like the odd one out in her town thanks to her family’s past. When a body turns up and the evidence points a little too closely to her, she ends up trying to clear her name alongside Joel, the grumpy café owner with his own baggage. Add in a whole pack of dogs, and you’ve got the setup for a cozy mystery with a romantic edge.
The strongest part of this book is easily the vibe. It’s very cozy, very light, and honestly just easy to read. The small-town setting, the dog-filled scenes, and the overall tone make it feel like a comfort read—something you can pick up and move through quickly without overthinking. And the dogs? They completely steal the show. Easily the highlight.
That said, this leans much more “cozy romance with a mystery in the background” than full-on murder mystery. The suspense is there, but it takes a backseat for a good portion of the book. I found myself wanting a little more depth—both in the mystery itself and in the characters. Juliette and Joel carry the story, but beyond them, the town and side characters didn’t feel as fully developed as they could have.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic is there, but the chemistry didn’t always hit as strongly as I wanted it to. It felt a bit more told than shown at times, and I needed a little more build to really buy into it.
As for the mystery, it was engaging enough to keep me reading, but not overly complex. I had a sense of where it was going, and while the reveal was satisfying, it wasn’t shocking.
Overall, this is one of those books you pick up when you want something light, cozy, and a little playful. It’s not going to blow you away with depth or twists, but it does exactly what it sets out to do—give you an easy, comforting read (especially if you’re a dog lover).
Would I recommend it? Yes—if you’re in the mood for a palate cleanser with cozy vibes and a side of mystery.
The story follows Juliette, a dog groomer who already feels like the odd one out in her town thanks to her family’s past. When a body turns up and the evidence points a little too closely to her, she ends up trying to clear her name alongside Joel, the grumpy café owner with his own baggage. Add in a whole pack of dogs, and you’ve got the setup for a cozy mystery with a romantic edge.
The strongest part of this book is easily the vibe. It’s very cozy, very light, and honestly just easy to read. The small-town setting, the dog-filled scenes, and the overall tone make it feel like a comfort read—something you can pick up and move through quickly without overthinking. And the dogs? They completely steal the show. Easily the highlight.
That said, this leans much more “cozy romance with a mystery in the background” than full-on murder mystery. The suspense is there, but it takes a backseat for a good portion of the book. I found myself wanting a little more depth—both in the mystery itself and in the characters. Juliette and Joel carry the story, but beyond them, the town and side characters didn’t feel as fully developed as they could have.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic is there, but the chemistry didn’t always hit as strongly as I wanted it to. It felt a bit more told than shown at times, and I needed a little more build to really buy into it.
As for the mystery, it was engaging enough to keep me reading, but not overly complex. I had a sense of where it was going, and while the reveal was satisfying, it wasn’t shocking.
Overall, this is one of those books you pick up when you want something light, cozy, and a little playful. It’s not going to blow you away with depth or twists, but it does exactly what it sets out to do—give you an easy, comforting read (especially if you’re a dog lover).
Would I recommend it? Yes—if you’re in the mood for a palate cleanser with cozy vibes and a side of mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was billed as small-town murder + spicy romance + fall, so let's discuss.... and add DOGS to that list.
The murder - Joel and Juliette are both small business owners who work in the town square and check each other out through shop windows. Joel owns a coffee shop. Juliette is a dog groomer. They both have past trauma to work through - Joel's is more serious than Juliette's. When Juliette fights with and later finds the body of a town low-life in the dog park, she's immediately suspect #1. The local police chief is an old high school bully of hers, and inept at his job. She uses this as a reason to spend time with Joel. She needs a bodyguard to help her investigate and find the real killer before it gets pinned on her. They set about interrogating a bunch of townsfolk and chumming the waters, putting themselves in the crosshairs of the real killer.
The romance -- The characters had some MAJOR trauma to work through. To have room to do that, and believably still end up together, took a lot of time away from building the tension and connection. The one open-door sex scene was very rushed and ended in more drama. I just didn't feel the tingles with this couple, but I felt sorry enough for them to root for their HEA.
Fall vibes - were definitely a big theme including a very cute sleuthing date that ends in cider and a first kiss. Halloween, scarves and a sinister dog park are also featured.
Dogs - The author's last name is Barker and this book is a lot about dogs. I mean A LOT. The town is named Labrador Falls and there are a lot of dog-based/named businesses. So if you're a cat person - this might get annoying for you. Ultimately, I think the only thing I'll remember about this book in a year are the excessive amount of dogs and how much the author REALLY wants you to adopt from your local shelter. It was a love letter about how dogs (and the right people) can heal your soul.
The murder - Joel and Juliette are both small business owners who work in the town square and check each other out through shop windows. Joel owns a coffee shop. Juliette is a dog groomer. They both have past trauma to work through - Joel's is more serious than Juliette's. When Juliette fights with and later finds the body of a town low-life in the dog park, she's immediately suspect #1. The local police chief is an old high school bully of hers, and inept at his job. She uses this as a reason to spend time with Joel. She needs a bodyguard to help her investigate and find the real killer before it gets pinned on her. They set about interrogating a bunch of townsfolk and chumming the waters, putting themselves in the crosshairs of the real killer.
The romance -- The characters had some MAJOR trauma to work through. To have room to do that, and believably still end up together, took a lot of time away from building the tension and connection. The one open-door sex scene was very rushed and ended in more drama. I just didn't feel the tingles with this couple, but I felt sorry enough for them to root for their HEA.
Fall vibes - were definitely a big theme including a very cute sleuthing date that ends in cider and a first kiss. Halloween, scarves and a sinister dog park are also featured.
Dogs - The author's last name is Barker and this book is a lot about dogs. I mean A LOT. The town is named Labrador Falls and there are a lot of dog-based/named businesses. So if you're a cat person - this might get annoying for you. Ultimately, I think the only thing I'll remember about this book in a year are the excessive amount of dogs and how much the author REALLY wants you to adopt from your local shelter. It was a love letter about how dogs (and the right people) can heal your soul.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC
***
This is a cute book. I like the premise and I like the characters for the most part. Is it predictable? Yes kind of but it still had enough of a story and varied characters to keep my interest. The dogs are adorable and a fun addition to the plot, and the murders had enough of a twist that it hopped up to three stars for me.
The book doesn't quite get to four stars for me for a few reasons: 1. The grumpy owner of a coffee shop who tries very hard to be a misanthrope because life has knocked him down felt a little too familiar ( I kept referring to him as Luke in my head...) as did the funny, quirky, coffee drinking woman who is always cheerful... And 2. I needed a little more chemistry between Joel and Jules to really engage me in their story. 3. It did also push me out of the story a bit when Bonnie's secret is revealed because the timeline doesn't quite work. And finally, 4. One last note, there is a scene at the very beginning that is supposed to be clever/ funny I think, but it almost made me not continue the book because it just feels... icky.
I did like that for once the main character has a good reason to go snooping instead of just leaving it to the police, and I very much enjoyed the varied cast of side characters. Marshallow especially deserves her own novella lol. And I definitely appreciated that Jules has some backbone and isn't afraid to tell Joel what she thinks about his decisions.
***
This is a cute book. I like the premise and I like the characters for the most part. Is it predictable? Yes kind of but it still had enough of a story and varied characters to keep my interest. The dogs are adorable and a fun addition to the plot, and the murders had enough of a twist that it hopped up to three stars for me.
The book doesn't quite get to four stars for me for a few reasons: 1. The grumpy owner of a coffee shop who tries very hard to be a misanthrope because life has knocked him down felt a little too familiar ( I kept referring to him as Luke in my head...) as did the funny, quirky, coffee drinking woman who is always cheerful... And 2. I needed a little more chemistry between Joel and Jules to really engage me in their story. 3. It did also push me out of the story a bit when Bonnie's secret is revealed because the timeline doesn't quite work. And finally, 4. One last note, there is a scene at the very beginning that is supposed to be clever/ funny I think, but it almost made me not continue the book because it just feels... icky.
I did like that for once the main character has a good reason to go snooping instead of just leaving it to the police, and I very much enjoyed the varied cast of side characters. Marshallow especially deserves her own novella lol. And I definitely appreciated that Jules has some backbone and isn't afraid to tell Joel what she thinks about his decisions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 4.5/5
The Dog Park Murders is a charming, dog‑filled cozy mystery with a playful tone. The small‑town setting of Labrador Falls is charming in that slightly over‑the‑top, dog‑obsessed way that somehow works perfectly here. Labrador Falls feels like a place where gossip travels faster than a greyhound and everyone has an opinion about your leash choices.
Juliette, our FMC, is likeable and easy to root for. She begins the book leaning heavily into people‑pleasing, bending herself into pretzels to keep everyone happy and to "be good", sometimes to the point where I wanted to yell at her, “You don’t owe these people anything.” But her growth is one of the most rewarding parts of the story. Watching her slowly shed that habit and step into her own confidence was one of my favorite parts of the book and adds an emotional depth that pairs well with the mystery.
The mystery itself is engaging without ever losing the cozy tone. The pacing is smooth, the clues are sprinkled in just right, and the reveal satisfying.
And the dogs? They steal the show. Every canine moment adds humor, warmth, and a ton of personality. Angela Barker clearly understands the joy, and choas, of a dog‑centric community. The dog park setting gives the book a lively, social backdrop that enhances both the mystery and the relationships despite some rather quirky neighbors.
Readers who will especially enjoy this book:
- Fans of cozy mysteries who prefer charm and character growth over high‑stakes suspense.
- Readers who love small‑town settings with quirky neighbors and strong community vibes.
- Anyone who enjoys animal‑centric stories, especially dog lovers who appreciate pets as full characters.
- Romance readers who like a light, slow‑burn subplot woven into their mysteries.
The Dog Park Murders is a charming, dog‑filled cozy mystery with a playful tone. The small‑town setting of Labrador Falls is charming in that slightly over‑the‑top, dog‑obsessed way that somehow works perfectly here. Labrador Falls feels like a place where gossip travels faster than a greyhound and everyone has an opinion about your leash choices.
Juliette, our FMC, is likeable and easy to root for. She begins the book leaning heavily into people‑pleasing, bending herself into pretzels to keep everyone happy and to "be good", sometimes to the point where I wanted to yell at her, “You don’t owe these people anything.” But her growth is one of the most rewarding parts of the story. Watching her slowly shed that habit and step into her own confidence was one of my favorite parts of the book and adds an emotional depth that pairs well with the mystery.
The mystery itself is engaging without ever losing the cozy tone. The pacing is smooth, the clues are sprinkled in just right, and the reveal satisfying.
And the dogs? They steal the show. Every canine moment adds humor, warmth, and a ton of personality. Angela Barker clearly understands the joy, and choas, of a dog‑centric community. The dog park setting gives the book a lively, social backdrop that enhances both the mystery and the relationships despite some rather quirky neighbors.
Readers who will especially enjoy this book:
- Fans of cozy mysteries who prefer charm and character growth over high‑stakes suspense.
- Readers who love small‑town settings with quirky neighbors and strong community vibes.
- Anyone who enjoys animal‑centric stories, especially dog lovers who appreciate pets as full characters.
- Romance readers who like a light, slow‑burn subplot woven into their mysteries.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is such a sweet, cosy story.
A small town, hot coffee on crisp mornings, an immediately apparent grumpy-sunshine dynamic, and sweet dog companions - I found myself smiling only a couple of pages in.
This is definitely a book written by a dog lover, for dog lovers. The precious pooches in this book are characters of their own - not just sidekicks, not just there to move the story along - but characters who are integral to the lives of their humans. Each dog is written with their own unique personality and expression and impact upon the people around them, and the people value their relationships with their dogs just as deeply as they value their relationships with other humans.
The romance was just as sweet as the pups were. The characters were a lovely mix of real enough to relate to, and shiny enough amidst their cosy lives to make this book an easy and delightful escape of a read. I enjoyed watching our two main characters become closer between and during the moments of their investigation.
Even though Juliette's freedom is at stake as they investigate a murder, somehow there remains for the reader an underlying understanding that all will be well. This ensures the book isn't stressful and is able to maintain the cosy atmosphere. I will make a note that one of the characters is a dodgy cop, which could be triggering for some.
I enjoyed the process of working through the list of murder suspects, meeting each of the characters and finding out how they might have been involved. It was in intriguing mystery. And I'm no murder mystery expert, but I didn't see the reveal coming.
This is a shorter read at just 250 (ebook) pages, so well worth it if you're looking for something short and sweet. Thanks so much to Harlequin and Netgalley for a digital review copy of this novel! This review is my genuine opinion.
A small town, hot coffee on crisp mornings, an immediately apparent grumpy-sunshine dynamic, and sweet dog companions - I found myself smiling only a couple of pages in.
This is definitely a book written by a dog lover, for dog lovers. The precious pooches in this book are characters of their own - not just sidekicks, not just there to move the story along - but characters who are integral to the lives of their humans. Each dog is written with their own unique personality and expression and impact upon the people around them, and the people value their relationships with their dogs just as deeply as they value their relationships with other humans.
The romance was just as sweet as the pups were. The characters were a lovely mix of real enough to relate to, and shiny enough amidst their cosy lives to make this book an easy and delightful escape of a read. I enjoyed watching our two main characters become closer between and during the moments of their investigation.
Even though Juliette's freedom is at stake as they investigate a murder, somehow there remains for the reader an underlying understanding that all will be well. This ensures the book isn't stressful and is able to maintain the cosy atmosphere. I will make a note that one of the characters is a dodgy cop, which could be triggering for some.
I enjoyed the process of working through the list of murder suspects, meeting each of the characters and finding out how they might have been involved. It was in intriguing mystery. And I'm no murder mystery expert, but I didn't see the reveal coming.
This is a shorter read at just 250 (ebook) pages, so well worth it if you're looking for something short and sweet. Thanks so much to Harlequin and Netgalley for a digital review copy of this novel! This review is my genuine opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So this was your fairly typical rom-com...lots of predictability and familiar tropes. Overall, the story was cute and had a lot of potential, but it fell a little flat for me. I couldn’t really connect with the characters, and honestly, a lot of them just annoyed me at times, lol.
And don’t get me wrong—I love dogs. Like, completely obsessed with mine. Ridiculously so. My husband and I even do that totally cringey thing where we “speak” for them and give them full personalities. So I get it. I really do. 😉
Dogs were actually one of the reasons I picked up this book in the first place…
But for me, there were just too many dog scenes and dog-related moments. Especially the constant dog “thought bubbles” where we’re told what the dog is thinking or used as a way to point the reader toward something. It started to feel a bit heavy-handed and, at times, took me out of the story.
I think overall, things just felt a little forced. One of my college professors always said, “Show me, don’t tell me,” and this book leaned a lot more toward telling. It felt like it was trying really hard to be the perfect cozy romance in a perfect cozy town—with a perfectly cozy mystery that only the main character could possibly solve—but it didn’t quite get all the way there for me.
That said, I know how much work goes into writing a novel, and that authors pour their hearts into their stories, so I always try to keep that in mind when reviewing. I am always appreciative of the time and efforts that each author pours into their craft, and am forever thankful there are so many authors willing to put themselves out there for us.
Thank you also to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. While it didn’t fully click for me, this was a fun read overall.
And don’t get me wrong—I love dogs. Like, completely obsessed with mine. Ridiculously so. My husband and I even do that totally cringey thing where we “speak” for them and give them full personalities. So I get it. I really do. 😉
Dogs were actually one of the reasons I picked up this book in the first place…
But for me, there were just too many dog scenes and dog-related moments. Especially the constant dog “thought bubbles” where we’re told what the dog is thinking or used as a way to point the reader toward something. It started to feel a bit heavy-handed and, at times, took me out of the story.
I think overall, things just felt a little forced. One of my college professors always said, “Show me, don’t tell me,” and this book leaned a lot more toward telling. It felt like it was trying really hard to be the perfect cozy romance in a perfect cozy town—with a perfectly cozy mystery that only the main character could possibly solve—but it didn’t quite get all the way there for me.
That said, I know how much work goes into writing a novel, and that authors pour their hearts into their stories, so I always try to keep that in mind when reviewing. I am always appreciative of the time and efforts that each author pours into their craft, and am forever thankful there are so many authors willing to put themselves out there for us.
Thank you also to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. While it didn’t fully click for me, this was a fun read overall.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
The Dog Park Murders is a cozy mystery romance that fully embraces its quirky, small-town charm. Set in the dog-obsessed town of Labrador Falls, the story follows Juliette after she discovers a dead body and suddenly finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. Teaming up with Joel, the grumpy new coffee shop owner, she sets out to clear her name—and, of course, sparks begin to fly along the way.
What really makes this book stand out is how playful and self-aware it is. From pun-filled business names like What the Fluff and Brewed Awakening to the dogs practically having personalities (and opinions) of their own, the humor gives the whole story a warm, lighthearted feel. It took me a little while to adjust to how openly the book leaned into its tropes—especially Joel constantly calling Juliette things like “sunshine” and “Disney princess”—but once I settled into the tone, it became part of the fun.
The romance is sweet and slow-burning, with just enough spice to keep things interesting without overshadowing the story itself. I also appreciated that Joel’s backstory added some emotional depth, and his healing journey was handled surprisingly well. Meanwhile, Juliette’s amateur attempts at solving the murder—complete with online searches about how to investigate crimes—fit her personality perfectly and added to the charm.
The mystery itself keeps things entertaining without becoming too dark or overly complicated, and the cozy atmosphere makes the whole book easy to sink into. Overall, this was a fun, comforting read with humor, romance, dogs, and just enough suspense to keep the pages turning. Perfect for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with plenty of heart and personality.
The Dog Park Murders is a cozy mystery romance that fully embraces its quirky, small-town charm. Set in the dog-obsessed town of Labrador Falls, the story follows Juliette after she discovers a dead body and suddenly finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. Teaming up with Joel, the grumpy new coffee shop owner, she sets out to clear her name—and, of course, sparks begin to fly along the way.
What really makes this book stand out is how playful and self-aware it is. From pun-filled business names like What the Fluff and Brewed Awakening to the dogs practically having personalities (and opinions) of their own, the humor gives the whole story a warm, lighthearted feel. It took me a little while to adjust to how openly the book leaned into its tropes—especially Joel constantly calling Juliette things like “sunshine” and “Disney princess”—but once I settled into the tone, it became part of the fun.
The romance is sweet and slow-burning, with just enough spice to keep things interesting without overshadowing the story itself. I also appreciated that Joel’s backstory added some emotional depth, and his healing journey was handled surprisingly well. Meanwhile, Juliette’s amateur attempts at solving the murder—complete with online searches about how to investigate crimes—fit her personality perfectly and added to the charm.
The mystery itself keeps things entertaining without becoming too dark or overly complicated, and the cozy atmosphere makes the whole book easy to sink into. Overall, this was a fun, comforting read with humor, romance, dogs, and just enough suspense to keep the pages turning. Perfect for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with plenty of heart and personality.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Dog Park Murders is an absolute delight of a cozy mystery—bright, charming, and threaded with just enough danger to keep the pages turning long after you meant to stop. Juliette Macintyre is instantly lovable: upbeat, dog‑obsessed, and trying her best to carve out a life that isn’t defined by her father’s mistakes. Labrador Falls may not welcome her with open arms, but she brings a kind of sunshine the town doesn’t quite know what to do with.
Enter Joel Cunningham, the grump to her glow. He’s all sharp edges and quiet brooding, running his café with the same no‑nonsense energy he applies to the rest of his life. He claims he doesn’t like dogs, which makes it even more delicious when Juliette saddles him with a foster pup and he slowly, reluctantly softens.
But beneath the banter and the slow‑burn chemistry lies a genuinely gripping mystery. When Juliette discovers a body in the dog park—strangled with one of her own handmade leashes—the story shifts into a clever, twisty investigation. The stakes rise quickly, especially with a detective who seems far too eager to pin the blame on her. Watching Juliette and Joel navigate clues, secrets, and their own growing connection is pure cozy‑crime joy.
The small‑town setting is wonderfully drawn, the canine cast is irresistible, and the mystery keeps its teeth sharp right to the end. The Dog Park Murders balances charm and suspense with effortless ease, making it a perfect pick for readers who love their whodunits with heart, humour, and a wagging tail.
With thanks to Angela Barker, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Enter Joel Cunningham, the grump to her glow. He’s all sharp edges and quiet brooding, running his café with the same no‑nonsense energy he applies to the rest of his life. He claims he doesn’t like dogs, which makes it even more delicious when Juliette saddles him with a foster pup and he slowly, reluctantly softens.
But beneath the banter and the slow‑burn chemistry lies a genuinely gripping mystery. When Juliette discovers a body in the dog park—strangled with one of her own handmade leashes—the story shifts into a clever, twisty investigation. The stakes rise quickly, especially with a detective who seems far too eager to pin the blame on her. Watching Juliette and Joel navigate clues, secrets, and their own growing connection is pure cozy‑crime joy.
The small‑town setting is wonderfully drawn, the canine cast is irresistible, and the mystery keeps its teeth sharp right to the end. The Dog Park Murders balances charm and suspense with effortless ease, making it a perfect pick for readers who love their whodunits with heart, humour, and a wagging tail.
With thanks to Angela Barker, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
April 9, 2026
Juliette’s lived her whole life in Labrador Falls adamantly trying to persuade her neighbors she’s not the person they all make her out to be. Joel just recently moved to town and opened up a coffee shop claiming he was looking for a change in scenery. But when a murder occurs and Juliette becomes the prime suspect she and Joel ban together to find the real killer. During their search both their secret pasts get throw in the open and they have to decide if they can navigate through and move forward together or crumble and fall apart.
Okay, this is a cute little read. Just know you can’t go into this book expecting something serious. And if you’re not a dog lover this book probably isn’t for you. Think Lorelei Gilmore but dog lover with Luke plus murder mystery.
I definitely have some issues with this book, but it’s not all bad. It definitely gives off that cozy murder mystery vibes and grumpy vs sunshine. However, the incessant talking about this dog and that dog and the internal monologue from the FMC for her foster dog is incredibly cringey. I, personally, feel like the dog’s “thoughts” could have been conveyed differently and a lot less frequently. It was like Digger (the dog) was a side character and it just felt weird.
Other than the dog issue the book itself is good. I like the character development for both main characters by the end. The book definitely picked up in the last five chapters and I really like the way the book concluded.
So, if you love dogs, and I mean LOVE, and cozy mystery murders you’ll definitely love this small town book.
Thank you to Netgalley for ARC.
Okay, this is a cute little read. Just know you can’t go into this book expecting something serious. And if you’re not a dog lover this book probably isn’t for you. Think Lorelei Gilmore but dog lover with Luke plus murder mystery.
I definitely have some issues with this book, but it’s not all bad. It definitely gives off that cozy murder mystery vibes and grumpy vs sunshine. However, the incessant talking about this dog and that dog and the internal monologue from the FMC for her foster dog is incredibly cringey. I, personally, feel like the dog’s “thoughts” could have been conveyed differently and a lot less frequently. It was like Digger (the dog) was a side character and it just felt weird.
Other than the dog issue the book itself is good. I like the character development for both main characters by the end. The book definitely picked up in the last five chapters and I really like the way the book concluded.
So, if you love dogs, and I mean LOVE, and cozy mystery murders you’ll definitely love this small town book.
Thank you to Netgalley for ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed The Dog Park Murders by Angela Barker (Stafanie London)! It’s a slow-burn, cozy small-town romance with a murder mystery twist. Arguably it may be a little too slow of a burn for my taste, but I still had a lot of fun with it.
Juliette is a relatable and likable FMC, and Joel’s willingness to trust her despite his traumatic past really endeared me to both characters. It also made me want to know more about what was going on with Joel. Their banter was deeply intimate while also being cute and funny, and they balance each other beautifully in this Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic. The emotional intimacy in their conversations definitely helped make the slow burn work for me.
Labrador Falls is pure camp, filled with nosy neighbors and big personalities. I loved that dogs are such a central part of the town. The side characters were also very memorable, and I truly hope this series continues because I’d love to see stories for Norah, Alexa, or Beau.
The spice level is quite low, which was a little disappointing for me. The story builds up expectations a few times—Joel hints at some impressive bedroom skills—but when the moment finally arrives, the scene feels rushed and lacks detail. There are a few kisses throughout, but the real intimacy in the book comes from Joel and Juliette opening up about their trauma and learning to trust and support one another.
I also appreciated how the book touches on heavier topics—grief, losing loved ones, murder, death, PTSD—without ever feeling overwhelmingly heavy. It was handled in a refreshing way.
One small nitpick: the story takes place in the United States, but there were several phrases that felt more UK or Australian. Since the author is Australian, I imagine a few slipped through, but it was occasionally distracting. Another small detail: the plural of “vinyl” is still “vinyl,” which stood out since a music store and records are a big part of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m very grateful to NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Juliette is a relatable and likable FMC, and Joel’s willingness to trust her despite his traumatic past really endeared me to both characters. It also made me want to know more about what was going on with Joel. Their banter was deeply intimate while also being cute and funny, and they balance each other beautifully in this Grumpy x Sunshine dynamic. The emotional intimacy in their conversations definitely helped make the slow burn work for me.
Labrador Falls is pure camp, filled with nosy neighbors and big personalities. I loved that dogs are such a central part of the town. The side characters were also very memorable, and I truly hope this series continues because I’d love to see stories for Norah, Alexa, or Beau.
The spice level is quite low, which was a little disappointing for me. The story builds up expectations a few times—Joel hints at some impressive bedroom skills—but when the moment finally arrives, the scene feels rushed and lacks detail. There are a few kisses throughout, but the real intimacy in the book comes from Joel and Juliette opening up about their trauma and learning to trust and support one another.
I also appreciated how the book touches on heavier topics—grief, losing loved ones, murder, death, PTSD—without ever feeling overwhelmingly heavy. It was handled in a refreshing way.
One small nitpick: the story takes place in the United States, but there were several phrases that felt more UK or Australian. Since the author is Australian, I imagine a few slipped through, but it was occasionally distracting. Another small detail: the plural of “vinyl” is still “vinyl,” which stood out since a music store and records are a big part of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m very grateful to NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to be an early reader of The Dog Park Murders - let’s get into it!
This book is “tail”-ored (see what I did there) to dog parents. Expect romance, mystery, intrigue? You may be disappointed. However, if your furry friend takes center stage in your life, you are likely to enjoy this dog-centric story.
Speaking as a certified dog mom, this book still fell a bit flat. I love a good mystery and had hoped for a more well-rounded whodunit, but the awkward solution was more than underwhelming. For me, the book’s saving grace was the millennial-coded humor - but it ends there.
The book’s challenge is in finding identity. The premise of a mystery romance with dog-loving characters taking center stage seemed like the recipe for a fun, cozy read. However, these elements often feel out of place, likely due to the book’s tone teetering between audiences. Is this a Hallmark movie, a YA novel, or adult fiction? One moment there is the wholesome dialogue and predictability of a Hallmark movie, the next, there is adult language and scenes added almost as an afterthought to make the book edgier.
Without giving anything away, I found the conclusion to be unoriginal with tones of misogyny. I found the theories racing through my mind more compelling than the final explanation. As much as I went into this story hoping to love it, it just didn’t quite land. I can see what the author was going for, but it didn’t fully come together for me.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to be an early reader of The Dog Park Murders - let’s get into it!
This book is “tail”-ored (see what I did there) to dog parents. Expect romance, mystery, intrigue? You may be disappointed. However, if your furry friend takes center stage in your life, you are likely to enjoy this dog-centric story.
Speaking as a certified dog mom, this book still fell a bit flat. I love a good mystery and had hoped for a more well-rounded whodunit, but the awkward solution was more than underwhelming. For me, the book’s saving grace was the millennial-coded humor - but it ends there.
The book’s challenge is in finding identity. The premise of a mystery romance with dog-loving characters taking center stage seemed like the recipe for a fun, cozy read. However, these elements often feel out of place, likely due to the book’s tone teetering between audiences. Is this a Hallmark movie, a YA novel, or adult fiction? One moment there is the wholesome dialogue and predictability of a Hallmark movie, the next, there is adult language and scenes added almost as an afterthought to make the book edgier.
Without giving anything away, I found the conclusion to be unoriginal with tones of misogyny. I found the theories racing through my mind more compelling than the final explanation. As much as I went into this story hoping to love it, it just didn’t quite land. I can see what the author was going for, but it didn’t fully come together for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wanted to love this one. The premise sounded delightful: a cozy mystery set around a dog park, with all the charm that implies. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into it and ultimately had to DNF (did not finish) around the 40% mark.
The pacing felt slow right from the start, and I struggled to connect with the main character. Their voice didn’t click for me, and the dialogue often felt stiff or forced. The mystery itself had potential, but the twists I saw coming a mile away, and the clues didn’t quite cohere into a satisfying puzzle for me. On top of that, the stakes never felt high enough for me; even though a murder was at the center of the plot, the consequences didn’t feel urgent or emotionally weighty, so I never felt truly invested in finding out “whodunit.”
That said, I appreciate the effort that went into the book, and I’m glad I had the chance to read an advance copy through NetGalley. The 3 stars reflect my gratitude for the opportunity rather than my enjoyment of the story. Readers who love very gentle, character-driven cozies with dogs at the center might still find something to enjoy here, but this one wasn’t the right fit for me.
**DNF at:** ~40%
**Why DNF:** Slow pace, weak character connection, stakes not feeling high enough, mystery not engaging enough
**Rating:** 3 stars (NetGalley appreciation)
Thank you to the author and publisher for gifting me this early copy through NetGalley. As always these are own candid thoughts and opinions.
The pacing felt slow right from the start, and I struggled to connect with the main character. Their voice didn’t click for me, and the dialogue often felt stiff or forced. The mystery itself had potential, but the twists I saw coming a mile away, and the clues didn’t quite cohere into a satisfying puzzle for me. On top of that, the stakes never felt high enough for me; even though a murder was at the center of the plot, the consequences didn’t feel urgent or emotionally weighty, so I never felt truly invested in finding out “whodunit.”
That said, I appreciate the effort that went into the book, and I’m glad I had the chance to read an advance copy through NetGalley. The 3 stars reflect my gratitude for the opportunity rather than my enjoyment of the story. Readers who love very gentle, character-driven cozies with dogs at the center might still find something to enjoy here, but this one wasn’t the right fit for me.
**DNF at:** ~40%
**Why DNF:** Slow pace, weak character connection, stakes not feeling high enough, mystery not engaging enough
**Rating:** 3 stars (NetGalley appreciation)
Thank you to the author and publisher for gifting me this early copy through NetGalley. As always these are own candid thoughts and opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Dog Park Murders
By Angela Barker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📅 Release Date: August 25, 2026
First of all, thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Harlequin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This one feels extra special to me because it was actually the VERY FIRST book I ever requested on NetGalley. At the time, I had exactly zero reviews posted, so the fact that I got approved still feels a little shocking. I kept having to push it back while trying to meet tighter deadlines for other ARCs, but I’m really glad I finally got to it.
This was such a fun read and even had a little spice mixed in. The story follows Juliette after she discovers a body at the dog park and quickly realizes all signs are pointing directly at her. To clear her name, she teams up with Joel, the hunky local barista, and the two end up tangled in both a murder investigation and a slow-burn romance.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Joel and Juliette was honestly one of my favorite parts. Their banter felt natural, and I found myself rooting for them pretty quickly despite the baggage both characters are carrying from their pasts. The supporting cast was also a lot of fun, especially Juliette’s sister Norah, along with a few characters that were absolutely designed for readers to love-hate.
I’d say this leans more cozy mystery than romance, but there’s definitely some chemistry and a little spice woven throughout. And at around 250 pages, this was pretty much the perfect length for me. Fast-paced, entertaining, and easy to fly through in a couple sittings.
By Angela Barker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📅 Release Date: August 25, 2026
First of all, thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Harlequin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This one feels extra special to me because it was actually the VERY FIRST book I ever requested on NetGalley. At the time, I had exactly zero reviews posted, so the fact that I got approved still feels a little shocking. I kept having to push it back while trying to meet tighter deadlines for other ARCs, but I’m really glad I finally got to it.
This was such a fun read and even had a little spice mixed in. The story follows Juliette after she discovers a body at the dog park and quickly realizes all signs are pointing directly at her. To clear her name, she teams up with Joel, the hunky local barista, and the two end up tangled in both a murder investigation and a slow-burn romance.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Joel and Juliette was honestly one of my favorite parts. Their banter felt natural, and I found myself rooting for them pretty quickly despite the baggage both characters are carrying from their pasts. The supporting cast was also a lot of fun, especially Juliette’s sister Norah, along with a few characters that were absolutely designed for readers to love-hate.
I’d say this leans more cozy mystery than romance, but there’s definitely some chemistry and a little spice woven throughout. And at around 250 pages, this was pretty much the perfect length for me. Fast-paced, entertaining, and easy to fly through in a couple sittings.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
EN: I found the setup a bit slow, but starting in the third chapter, the heart of the story really takes off. It’s set in a small community where the main characters, Juliette and Joël, each have a secret, mysterious past that they’re not ready to reveal. The author develops her characters through their attraction to one another despite the mystery surrounding them, all against a backdrop of suspense linked to a murder, feelings of revenge or jealousy (or both). I also felt that the conclusion dragged on a bit at the end, but overall, it’s a good novel that I recommend. It’s an easy read, and the author has the way with words.
FR : J'ai trouvé que l'intrigue mettait un peu de temps à démarrer, mais dès le troisième chapitre, l'histoire prend vraiment son envol. L'action se déroule dans une petite communauté où les personnages principaux, Juliette et Joël, ont chacun un passé secret et mystérieux qu'ils ne sont pas prêts à dévoiler. L'auteure développe ses personnages à travers l'attirance qu'ils éprouvent l'un pour l'autre malgré le mystère qui les entoure, le tout sur fond de suspense lié à un meurtre, à des sentiments de vengeance ou de jalousie (ou les deux). J'ai également trouvé que la conclusion traînait un peu en longueur à la fin, mais dans l'ensemble, c'est un bon roman que je recommande. C'est une lecture facile, et l'auteure a un très beau style d'écriture.
FR : J'ai trouvé que l'intrigue mettait un peu de temps à démarrer, mais dès le troisième chapitre, l'histoire prend vraiment son envol. L'action se déroule dans une petite communauté où les personnages principaux, Juliette et Joël, ont chacun un passé secret et mystérieux qu'ils ne sont pas prêts à dévoiler. L'auteure développe ses personnages à travers l'attirance qu'ils éprouvent l'un pour l'autre malgré le mystère qui les entoure, le tout sur fond de suspense lié à un meurtre, à des sentiments de vengeance ou de jalousie (ou les deux). J'ai également trouvé que la conclusion traînait un peu en longueur à la fin, mais dans l'ensemble, c'est un bon roman que je recommande. C'est une lecture facile, et l'auteure a un très beau style d'écriture.
Read
March 25, 2026I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of The Dog Park Murders by Angela Barker. Overall, I would rate it 3.5 stars.
The premise immediately caught my attention. The story centers around a murder connected to a local dog park in a small town where everyone seems to know each other. The setting works really well for a mystery like this. The small-town atmosphere adds tension, secrets, and plenty of potential suspects, which makes the investigation engaging to follow.
One of the highlights for me was the investigation itself. The pacing of the clues and discoveries kept the story moving, and I enjoyed trying to piece together what had really happened. The mystery unfolds in a way that keeps you curious without giving too much away too early.
Another fun element is the large number of dogs in the story. Since so much of the plot revolves around the dog park and the community that gathers there, the presence of the dogs adds charm and personality to many scenes.
At times the pacing felt a little uneven, and some parts could have been tighter, which is why it lands closer to 3.5 stars rather than a full 4. Still, the concept is strong and the investigation is interesting enough to keep you turning the pages.
Overall, this is an enjoyable small-town murder mystery with a unique setting, plenty of canine companions, and a mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven investigations.
The premise immediately caught my attention. The story centers around a murder connected to a local dog park in a small town where everyone seems to know each other. The setting works really well for a mystery like this. The small-town atmosphere adds tension, secrets, and plenty of potential suspects, which makes the investigation engaging to follow.
One of the highlights for me was the investigation itself. The pacing of the clues and discoveries kept the story moving, and I enjoyed trying to piece together what had really happened. The mystery unfolds in a way that keeps you curious without giving too much away too early.
Another fun element is the large number of dogs in the story. Since so much of the plot revolves around the dog park and the community that gathers there, the presence of the dogs adds charm and personality to many scenes.
At times the pacing felt a little uneven, and some parts could have been tighter, which is why it lands closer to 3.5 stars rather than a full 4. Still, the concept is strong and the investigation is interesting enough to keep you turning the pages.
Overall, this is an enjoyable small-town murder mystery with a unique setting, plenty of canine companions, and a mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven investigations.
March 14, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley!
The Dog Park Murders is a great blend of murder mystery and romance. I’ll be honest and say that I usually stay away from murder mysteries and thrillers, and while this book is by no means a thriller, it definitely had my heart pounding, in more ways than one.
Juliette is a relatable, likable FMC and her backstory grounds her in reality. The way that she interacts with the townspeople of Labrador Falls as she tries to prove herself is deeply endearing.
Joel’s willingness to trust Juliette despite his traumatic past endears the reader to her further. He’s the grumpy to her sunshine and I loved the concept of him becoming “old, old Joel” by the end of the story.
I found the plot to be engaging and I truly could not put the book down, especially in the back half. The reveal was unexpected to me and the story ended in a satisfying way in both the mystery and the romance.
The setting is somewhat cheesy but in a fun way. The idea of a town called Labrador Falls where all the residents lean so far into their dog loving that it’s a deeply engrained cultural value is really fun to me. In other books, I may have found this to be annoying but I really enjoyed it here.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to romance and mystery readers alike
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley!
The Dog Park Murders is a great blend of murder mystery and romance. I’ll be honest and say that I usually stay away from murder mysteries and thrillers, and while this book is by no means a thriller, it definitely had my heart pounding, in more ways than one.
Juliette is a relatable, likable FMC and her backstory grounds her in reality. The way that she interacts with the townspeople of Labrador Falls as she tries to prove herself is deeply endearing.
Joel’s willingness to trust Juliette despite his traumatic past endears the reader to her further. He’s the grumpy to her sunshine and I loved the concept of him becoming “old, old Joel” by the end of the story.
I found the plot to be engaging and I truly could not put the book down, especially in the back half. The reveal was unexpected to me and the story ended in a satisfying way in both the mystery and the romance.
The setting is somewhat cheesy but in a fun way. The idea of a town called Labrador Falls where all the residents lean so far into their dog loving that it’s a deeply engrained cultural value is really fun to me. In other books, I may have found this to be annoying but I really enjoyed it here.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to romance and mystery readers alike
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC.
I really wanted to love this book. The concept is fun, the writing is whimsical and there is enough plot to keep you engaged.
Unfortunately, I think the style just wasn't for me personally. I'm sure there will be readers who really enjoy this, and it's certainly an easy read so would suit certain moments or needs. But, I found it lacked excitement for me. I liked Juliette and Joel individually and thought their romance was really cute. I can't see I liked many (if any) of the side characters and couldn't understand why Juliette chose to live her entire life in a town where everyone hated her because of her father's crimes. I know she stated it would be running away if she left and that it wouldn't change their opinions, but I really wanted her to move away and leave them to their opinions so she could have a better life. I think that dampened the ending for me a little, because her reward for being cleared of murder was to stay living somewhere a little bit awful?
That being said, I can see why someone else would enjoy this and I think it's just personal taste more than anything else. the concept was brilliant and the plot was still fun.
I really wanted to love this book. The concept is fun, the writing is whimsical and there is enough plot to keep you engaged.
Unfortunately, I think the style just wasn't for me personally. I'm sure there will be readers who really enjoy this, and it's certainly an easy read so would suit certain moments or needs. But, I found it lacked excitement for me. I liked Juliette and Joel individually and thought their romance was really cute. I can't see I liked many (if any) of the side characters and couldn't understand why Juliette chose to live her entire life in a town where everyone hated her because of her father's crimes. I know she stated it would be running away if she left and that it wouldn't change their opinions, but I really wanted her to move away and leave them to their opinions so she could have a better life. I think that dampened the ending for me a little, because her reward for being cleared of murder was to stay living somewhere a little bit awful?
That being said, I can see why someone else would enjoy this and I think it's just personal taste more than anything else. the concept was brilliant and the plot was still fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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