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Tails of Maple Ridge #2
Paws and Prejudice
First impressions can be deadly. When Maple Ridge hosts its very first Fall Literary Festival, bookstore owner Tess is thrilled to supply the novels, lattes, and literary flair. With visitors flooding in, authors signing books in the historic college library, and her black Labrador Cocoa happily mooching peanut butter twists, it promises to be the town’s most novel event yet.
But when bestselling Jane Austen fan-fiction author Miranda St. Claire drops dead in the middle of her keynote address, it’s clear someone has written her off for good.
As whispers ripple through Maple Ridge’s most respectable circles, Tess discovers that pride, rivalry, and long-held grudges run deeper than she imagined. The suspects are stacked higher than her new release table, and not everyone is who they first appeared to be.
With the principled but frustratingly protective Sheriff Maddox warning her to stay out of the investigation, and Cocoa determined to follow every scent, Tess must decide whether to trust first impressions—or challenge her own prejudices.
Because in a town where reputation is everything, solving the case may be the only way to save the festival, restore Maple Ridge’s good name, and secure her own happily-ever-after.
Perfect for fans of small-town cozy mysteries, Paws and Prejudice is the second charming installment of The Tails of Maple Ridge, where every clue is dog-eared and every twist is a tail-wagger.
But when bestselling Jane Austen fan-fiction author Miranda St. Claire drops dead in the middle of her keynote address, it’s clear someone has written her off for good.
As whispers ripple through Maple Ridge’s most respectable circles, Tess discovers that pride, rivalry, and long-held grudges run deeper than she imagined. The suspects are stacked higher than her new release table, and not everyone is who they first appeared to be.
With the principled but frustratingly protective Sheriff Maddox warning her to stay out of the investigation, and Cocoa determined to follow every scent, Tess must decide whether to trust first impressions—or challenge her own prejudices.
Because in a town where reputation is everything, solving the case may be the only way to save the festival, restore Maple Ridge’s good name, and secure her own happily-ever-after.
Perfect for fans of small-town cozy mysteries, Paws and Prejudice is the second charming installment of The Tails of Maple Ridge, where every clue is dog-eared and every twist is a tail-wagger.
- GenresMystery
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 1, 2026
Second book of the series the literary festival lots of investigating lovely Cocoa the dog too
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August 10, 2026This was an interesting book with unique characters and an interesting town. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Amazon synopsis:
When Maple Ridge hosts its very first Fall Literary Festival, bookstore owner Tess is thrilled to supply the novels, lattes, and literary flair. With visitors flooding in, authors signing books in the historic college library, and her chocolate Labrador Cocoa happily mooching peanut butter twists, it promises to be the town’s most novel event yet.
But when bestselling Jane Austen fan-fiction author Miranda St. Claire drops dead in the middle of her keynote address, it’s clear someone has written her off for good.
As whispers ripple through Maple Ridge’s most respectable circles, Tess discovers that pride, rivalry, and long-held grudges run deeper than she imagined. The suspects are stacked higher than her new release table, and not everyone is who they first appeared to be.
With the principled but frustratingly protective Sheriff Maddox warning her to stay out of the investigation, and Cocoa determined to follow every scent, Tess must decide whether to trust first impressions—or challenge her own prejudices.
Because in a town where reputation is everything, solving the case may be the only way to save the festival, restore Maple Ridge’s good name, and secure her own happily-ever-after.
Amazon synopsis:
When Maple Ridge hosts its very first Fall Literary Festival, bookstore owner Tess is thrilled to supply the novels, lattes, and literary flair. With visitors flooding in, authors signing books in the historic college library, and her chocolate Labrador Cocoa happily mooching peanut butter twists, it promises to be the town’s most novel event yet.
But when bestselling Jane Austen fan-fiction author Miranda St. Claire drops dead in the middle of her keynote address, it’s clear someone has written her off for good.
As whispers ripple through Maple Ridge’s most respectable circles, Tess discovers that pride, rivalry, and long-held grudges run deeper than she imagined. The suspects are stacked higher than her new release table, and not everyone is who they first appeared to be.
With the principled but frustratingly protective Sheriff Maddox warning her to stay out of the investigation, and Cocoa determined to follow every scent, Tess must decide whether to trust first impressions—or challenge her own prejudices.
Because in a town where reputation is everything, solving the case may be the only way to save the festival, restore Maple Ridge’s good name, and secure her own happily-ever-after.
June 25, 2026
Miranda St Claire is the keynote speaker at the Fall Literary Festival sponsored by the Whitcombe Foundation. The whole town of Maple Ridge is excited about the event. Tess Holloway, the owner of the town's popular bookshop and her team find innovative ways to make the festival a success. Unfortunately, Miranda is murdered on the day of the event so Tess is busy trying to find the killer. Cocoa, her dog finds the poisoned water bottle and narrowly escapes being poisoned by a gift sent by an unknown admirer. A well crafted plot with interesting characters, especially Cocoa who has his own perception of humans and their quirks but loves the attention and treats they give him. My favourite character is Luke the barista who comes up with innovative names for his various coffee blends based on Jane Austen's characters like Darcy, Elizabeth Bennett, Wentworth and others. Very humorous.
July 5, 2026
Page Turner
This book builds nicely on the first book in the series. Tess has settled into Maple Ridge and her bookstore is thriving. When a guest author at the literary festival is murdered, she and her loyal friends step in to solve it.
What I like about this series is the mature confidence Tess exudes. She’s curious without intentionally putting herself in harm’s way. Her backstory continues to slowly unfold throughout this book. I also really enjoy the occasional chapters written from Cocoa’s perspective, her chocolate lab that will protect her at all costs.
I will definitely keep reading this series as it gets published.
This book builds nicely on the first book in the series. Tess has settled into Maple Ridge and her bookstore is thriving. When a guest author at the literary festival is murdered, she and her loyal friends step in to solve it.
What I like about this series is the mature confidence Tess exudes. She’s curious without intentionally putting herself in harm’s way. Her backstory continues to slowly unfold throughout this book. I also really enjoy the occasional chapters written from Cocoa’s perspective, her chocolate lab that will protect her at all costs.
I will definitely keep reading this series as it gets published.
June 24, 2026
Delightful!
Visit Maple Ridge with me, a quaint small town not too far from Boston. While you are there stop by the Book Mark, an independent bookstore with it's resident chocolate lab, Cocoa. But don't be surprised if you find yourself embroiled in a murder.
This delightful series started off strong with The Peanut Butter Twists and continues to build followers. There is a strong ensemble cast and even chapters from Cocoa's POV. So solve a complex murder case and close the final page with a warm smile.
Visit Maple Ridge with me, a quaint small town not too far from Boston. While you are there stop by the Book Mark, an independent bookstore with it's resident chocolate lab, Cocoa. But don't be surprised if you find yourself embroiled in a murder.
This delightful series started off strong with The Peanut Butter Twists and continues to build followers. There is a strong ensemble cast and even chapters from Cocoa's POV. So solve a complex murder case and close the final page with a warm smile.
August 17, 2026
I’m sure Tess and her friends would've been content to spend the fall literacy festival sipping on Luke’s fun coffee concoctions named for Jane Austen characters. But when the keynote speaker who was an invited author had collapsed dead, Tess and her murder-solving friends were back on a case.
I love how they worked together doing research, legwork or whatever it took. That showdown was pretty awesome with both Sheriff Maddox and Cocoa taking off after the killer. Cocoa even got to help with the arrest which was really cool. The ending was super sweet and I’m eager now for the next book.
I love how they worked together doing research, legwork or whatever it took. That showdown was pretty awesome with both Sheriff Maddox and Cocoa taking off after the killer. Cocoa even got to help with the arrest which was really cool. The ending was super sweet and I’m eager now for the next book.
August 13, 2026
The mystery is smart, the characters diverse and interesting, and the lab details are very on point!. True to lab nature, thank goodness! The setting is a Star’s Hollow kind of charming town and characters. I really liked it! “Lab details” meaning Labrador retriever details! Bc if those did not ring true, I wouldn’t be looking forward to the next book in the series!
The dog, horse, cat, animal details matter!🙂
The dog, horse, cat, animal details matter!🙂
September 4, 2026
Remember character names
It was a good book and I really like the series, however you can call me picky but I prefer that the characters retain the same name from one book to another even when they were only one of the dead bodies. Luke's friend on the first book was Monty and they called him Morris in this book. Sorry about making a big deal out of this but it's one of the things that throw me out of the story.
It was a good book and I really like the series, however you can call me picky but I prefer that the characters retain the same name from one book to another even when they were only one of the dead bodies. Luke's friend on the first book was Monty and they called him Morris in this book. Sorry about making a big deal out of this but it's one of the things that throw me out of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A great cast of characters in a small town make this a fun read. There is a literary festival in town which is keeping Tess busy at the book store. Things get busier when an author turns up dead. Tess, Coco and the gang do their own investigating much to Sherrif Maddox chagrin. A great cozy read, i live the role Coco plays.
August 23, 2026
Enjoying the series
Tess and her friends can't help but get involved in a murder mystery. Cocoa is always a delight, and Sheriff Maddox just wants her to be safe... and maybe get a date with Tess.
Tess and her friends can't help but get involved in a murder mystery. Cocoa is always a delight, and Sheriff Maddox just wants her to be safe... and maybe get a date with Tess.
June 20, 2026
Great series.
June 30, 2026
Cocoa to the rescue
A quick, fun, well written story, with good strong characters. Murder at the book festival. Love the dog, and the cops not either.
A quick, fun, well written story, with good strong characters. Murder at the book festival. Love the dog, and the cops not either.
July 22, 2026
Another nice story… can’t wait for next new book!
August 14, 2026
good book
I loved this book, it’s well written and easy to follow all the characters. Now on to the next book in the series.
I loved this book, it’s well written and easy to follow all the characters. Now on to the next book in the series.
June 8, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
Another cozy read from one of my favorite authors 😍. I read this book sitting on the beach while on vacation. I like the community vibe of the main characters. The storyline was very interesting.
Another cozy read from one of my favorite authors 😍. I read this book sitting on the beach while on vacation. I like the community vibe of the main characters. The storyline was very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews