The Killer Edition: A Sherlock Paws Cozy Mystery

by Kit Sterling

Nothing ruins a good library like a dead body.

I came to the Fairchild estate to catalog their rare book collection. Instead, I found Alton Merriweather, the pompous trustee, dead.

As owner of The Book Worm, Shepherd Falls’ coziest little bookstore. I’m used to reading about dead bodies, not staring at them. Sherlock, my rescue terrier mix with a nose for trouble, and I can’t resist a mystery, so we start sniffing around.

Alton left bitterness in his wake and no shortage of suspects.
Clementine, the loyal housekeeper, was let go after years of service. Elias, the groundskeeper, endured his public humiliation. And Paige Fairchild, the ambitious niece whose latest venture he refused to fund.

Lieutenant Bennett insists I stay out of it, reminding me it’s a police matter.
But with Finn and Sam at my side, and Sherlock’s nose leading me to more clues, I can’t stop chasing the truth.

Time is short, the suspects are circling, and the killer knows I’m getting closer.

I’ve got to solve this case before I become the next hidden body.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2025

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Molly is working on cataloging Felicia Fairchild’s rare book collection, she didn’t expect to find a dead body hidden behind a wall. It turns out to be Felicia’s brother, Alton Merriweather, an unlikable man who has taken over Felecia’s holdings while she is abroad. As Molly and her terrier, Sherlock begin snooping around, they find several suspicious people who have a motive. Could it be the niece, who was cut off by Alton? Or the long-time housekeeper that Alton fired? Maybe the groundskeeper, who was degraded by him? Molly has her work cut out for her in this mystery.

I really enjoy reading Sterling’s Sherlock Paws series. The plot line is full of surprises, the characters are well developed and I love Sherlock’s antics. I like the humor that she weaves seamlessly into the story. Also, the twist at the end of the story was quite unexpected. All in all, this was a great read and cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this adventure.

*I received this book as a gift and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Sherlock Paws Cozy Mystery Series!

This one had me laughing out loud! In several different places. I love all these stories, but this one, ah, this one I loved the most. When Molly is doing her side hustle—cataloging the collection of Felicia Fairchild—she ends up finding, well, not Molly, but Sherlock, ends up finding a body in a secret compartment in the library. At least she was with Finn at the time so she has a witness. I really enjoyed reading as Molly uncovered one clue after another that just left her with more questions than answers. The sense of community in these stories is wonderful as well and the plots are always tight. The mysteries are so well-written, it’s way too easy to just keep reading way later than I should. I cannot recommend these cozy mysteries highly enough!

I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun addition to the Sherlock Paws mystery series that keeps you totally engaged from beginning to the twisted, surprise ending. Molly, owner of Shepherd Falls bookstore, The Book Worm with her rescue dog, Sherlock, is hired to catalogue the personal library at the Fairchild Estate. But Sherlock discovered Alton Merriweather, the domineering, arrogant trustee, dead in the wall space behind the shelves. Of course, Molly was told by Lieutenant Bennett to stay out of it. But it is not in her nature. So with her boyfriend, Finn, friend Sam and of course the fantastic clue finding, Sherlock, she begins to find there is a lot of potential suspects. As they get closer, so does the danger. With a very surprising twist at the end is great! I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series. I received an ARC of this book, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killer Edition is a Sherlock Paws Cozy Mystery by Kit Sterling. I always love the sweet well-behaved and discerning little Sherlock who is always finding important clues also with his owner, Molly. This case is as convoluted as any stories I have read. Like Molly, I kept switching to who I believed was the guilty party in this strange murder mystery. The horror movie soap enterprise gave the book a haunted Halloween vibe too. Then the solution make perfect possible sense while also seemingly unbelievable. I once read that the truth is often stranger than anything he could make up to write for a story. In this case, it fits, this could have actually happened in reality. While the conclusion is one of the strangest cozy mysteries that I have read, it is also one of the best. I whole heartedly recommend The Killer Edition.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherlock is at it again. The cutie pup terrier and her sidekick Molly are on a mission to find out the mystery of Alton's death. With her team of friends, Finn, Sam, and Wilhemina, they gather evidence and try to put together what really happened and who dunnit! This one had me guessing who dunnit, but I would never had imagined the ending. This one was truly full of suspects, but none really did anything malicious or intentional. The four-legged pooches and kitty had me in stitches. Chewbarka and Slay-Ya . These name are priceless!! Loved it so much! Kit Sterling is an amazing cozy mystery writer and I am enjoying all her books!

Chewbarka
Princess Slay-ya

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly has been hired to sort through the library by Felicia Fairchild, who is now out of town. A relative comes in with a notarized paper, saying he is now in charge and Molly can only be there by appointment and he immediately fires the housekeeper. A few days later, Molly discovers a body hidden behind the library wall and the snooping begins.
Molly’s dog, Sherlock Paws is adorable and a fun partner in her investigating. I enjoy the series, and this one had a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming!
Thanks to Kit Sterling for the ARC.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherlock is with Molly while she is working at the Fairchild Estate cataloging Felicia's rare book collection when a body is found in the wall of the library. From that moment Molly gets into all kinds of trouble investigating when she isn't supposed to. She, Sherlock, Finn, and the Koffee Klatch ladies do some sleuthing that isn't for the faint of heart but all in all is a lot of fun. Every Sherlock Paws story will keep you entertained until the end.
I received an arc and this is my review.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killer Edition is an Excellent story about Molly a Bookshop Owner and her clever sleuthing dog Sherlock with her boyfriend Finn a Librarian. They come across a body in the library where they were cataloguing the books. There are many possible pieces to the puzzle but can they find the correct piece?
Superb story and series that I highly recommend you read.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mollie is supposed to catalogue a private library’s books, but, instead finds a dead body. A nasty piece of work it seems. Her dog Sherlock had lead her to where the smell was coming from, a cavity behind a bookcase. There are a few suspects as the man had upset everyone on site! An interesting read, with plenty of clues to follow, even if you don’t t gave a dog’s sense of smell!

[Dianne Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever story.

A clever story as Molly and her trusted dog, Sherlock, investigate strange happenings at an estate house.  A body in the wall...  Why and who did it??  A twist at the end tied this story together in an unexpected fashion.  I recommend this book.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book written by this author. This book had a good storyline; however, the beginning was a little confusing for me. There are a few characters that could have been developed more. I enjoyed the book overall, and the ending was great. I totally didn't see the culprit coming. You won't be disappointed with this book.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Sherlock Paws!

A mistake, a dead body, and a funny story to tie them all together! Sherlock is joined by pals Princess Slay-ya and Chewbarka for a hilarious romp through town as Molly tries to put the puzzling pieces together. Great characters and a funny and well-written mystery! Enjoy!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hidden body in the book shop and another one in the garden. What is going on?

This is a thrilling Cozy mystery. It is full of twists and turns.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Lauren Heiy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Killer. Edition: A Sherlock Paws cozy mystery.

Interesting characters and not just the people but the dogs too. Lots of surprises though I suspected a couple of them. Quirky but fun.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story drew me in right away and kept me glued to the pages. I couldn't quit reading. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne Pyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly is in the middle of a murder investigation - again! Sherlock is her usual helpful (?) self. Suspects and secrets abound. I love these books!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit Sterling gives us another good mystery. It keeps you guessing who has killed the acting trustee for the Fairchild Estate. We have plenty of suspects, plethora of clues, and no answers. It was fun to try to figure out who “done it”.