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The Pugs Cozy Mysteries #3
Biscuits and Blackmail: The Pugs Cozy Mysteries Book 3
Retirement in a charming British village was supposed to be predictable. Then the blackmail notes started arriving.
Reginald "Reg" Thorne thought he'd finally earned a quieter life. After a career spent in covert logistics, he's settled into the flat above Dr. Sniffles' Pet Surgery with his two faithful talking pugs, Pudding and Pickles. Between dog walks, afternoon tea, and keeping his former career quiet around the village, retirement is beginning to suit him.
But the peace is shattered when anonymous blackmail notes demand that Reg rejoin the service—or risk losing everything he's worked so hard to build. At the same time, rumours of ghost rats and an impending health inspection threaten to destroy his friends' new vegan bistro. The two mysteries couldn't possibly be connected... could they?
With Rowan and the ever-opinionated talking cat, Cinnamon, joining the investigation, Reg must launch one last covert operation. With Pudding and Pickles sniffing out clues (and snacks), this motley crew has only a few days to expose the mastermind before Reg is driven from the village he's finally started to call home.
If you love quirky talking animals, retired spies, laugh-out-loud humour, and cozy mysteries where friendship and family matter just as much as solving the case, jump into the third book of the Pugs Cozy Mysteries!
Reginald "Reg" Thorne thought he'd finally earned a quieter life. After a career spent in covert logistics, he's settled into the flat above Dr. Sniffles' Pet Surgery with his two faithful talking pugs, Pudding and Pickles. Between dog walks, afternoon tea, and keeping his former career quiet around the village, retirement is beginning to suit him.
But the peace is shattered when anonymous blackmail notes demand that Reg rejoin the service—or risk losing everything he's worked so hard to build. At the same time, rumours of ghost rats and an impending health inspection threaten to destroy his friends' new vegan bistro. The two mysteries couldn't possibly be connected... could they?
With Rowan and the ever-opinionated talking cat, Cinnamon, joining the investigation, Reg must launch one last covert operation. With Pudding and Pickles sniffing out clues (and snacks), this motley crew has only a few days to expose the mastermind before Reg is driven from the village he's finally started to call home.
If you love quirky talking animals, retired spies, laugh-out-loud humour, and cozy mysteries where friendship and family matter just as much as solving the case, jump into the third book of the Pugs Cozy Mysteries!
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 6, 2026
I received this book courtesy of Booksprout for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Reginald has finally become a part of his new village. Too bad that someone out there has a different plan for Reg's life. See, Reg has found a note indicating that his retirement days are over. Who is blackmailing him? And is the vegan restaurant doomed to fail? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Really Ivor? How many times do you have to come to the wrong facts before you stop jumping to some really weird conclusions?
Likes: Reg managed to help more than just himself, especially after he talked to Mrs. Prigg.
Pudding and Pickles are both the stars of the show.
Conclusion: This one dealt with more of Reg's spy days, but it was still good. If you like spending time with the pugs, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Reginald has finally become a part of his new village. Too bad that someone out there has a different plan for Reg's life. See, Reg has found a note indicating that his retirement days are over. Who is blackmailing him? And is the vegan restaurant doomed to fail? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Really Ivor? How many times do you have to come to the wrong facts before you stop jumping to some really weird conclusions?
Likes: Reg managed to help more than just himself, especially after he talked to Mrs. Prigg.
Pudding and Pickles are both the stars of the show.
Conclusion: This one dealt with more of Reg's spy days, but it was still good. If you like spending time with the pugs, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
October 12, 2026
ITA
Reginald, detto Reg, mentre porta al parco Pudding e Pickles, i suoi due cani per i bisogni serali, trova un messaggio di qualcuno che vuole che lui torni a fare l'agente segreto, altrimenti spiffera il suo passato al giornale locale. I proprietari del posto dove Reg compra i suoi pasti rischia di chiudere per due motivi: il primo è che si sono venduti ad Halloween, qui siamo in Inghilterra e quindi ci sono le Bonfire Nights, il secondo è che intorno al locale sono stati visti dei topi.
Reg chiede aiuto a Rowan, la figlia per indagare al caso oltre che dai due cani e da Cinnamon, il gatto di Rowan; gli animali, infatti, riescono a comunicare con Reg e Rowan grazie a dei collari “herbal infused”.
La storia è gradevole, i capitoli sono brevi con la giusta dose di intrigo, sicuramente la presenza dei cani e del gatto che parlano rende più divertente la storia, ma non le freddure di Reg. Il due Rowan, Reg e gli animali mi ha fatto venire in me l'ispettore Gadget, ma Reg è competente.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita di questo libro tramite Booksprout e sto volontariamente lasciando una recensione
ENG
Reginald, known as Reg, is taking Pudding and Pickles, his two dogs, to the park for their evening walk, when he finds a message from someone who wants him to go back to being a secret agent, or else they’ll spill the beans about his past to the local newspaper. The owners of the place where Reg buys his meals are at risk of closing down for two reasons: first, they sold out on Halloween, this is England, after all, so we have Bonfire Nights, and second, rats have been spotted around the shop.
Reg asks his daughter Rowan for help investigating the case, along with his two dogs and Cinnamon, Rowan’s cat; the animals, in fact, are able to communicate with Reg and Rowan thanks to “herbal-infused” collars.
The story is enjoyable; the chapters are short with just the right amount of intrigue. The presence of the talking dogs and cat certainly makes the story more entertaining, though Reg’s dad's jokes don’t quite do the same. The trio of Rowan, Reg, and the animals reminded me of Inspector Gadget, but Reg is competent.
I received a free copy of this book through Booksprout and am leaving a voluntary review.
Reginald, detto Reg, mentre porta al parco Pudding e Pickles, i suoi due cani per i bisogni serali, trova un messaggio di qualcuno che vuole che lui torni a fare l'agente segreto, altrimenti spiffera il suo passato al giornale locale. I proprietari del posto dove Reg compra i suoi pasti rischia di chiudere per due motivi: il primo è che si sono venduti ad Halloween, qui siamo in Inghilterra e quindi ci sono le Bonfire Nights, il secondo è che intorno al locale sono stati visti dei topi.
Reg chiede aiuto a Rowan, la figlia per indagare al caso oltre che dai due cani e da Cinnamon, il gatto di Rowan; gli animali, infatti, riescono a comunicare con Reg e Rowan grazie a dei collari “herbal infused”.
La storia è gradevole, i capitoli sono brevi con la giusta dose di intrigo, sicuramente la presenza dei cani e del gatto che parlano rende più divertente la storia, ma non le freddure di Reg. Il due Rowan, Reg e gli animali mi ha fatto venire in me l'ispettore Gadget, ma Reg è competente.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita di questo libro tramite Booksprout e sto volontariamente lasciando una recensione
ENG
Reginald, known as Reg, is taking Pudding and Pickles, his two dogs, to the park for their evening walk, when he finds a message from someone who wants him to go back to being a secret agent, or else they’ll spill the beans about his past to the local newspaper. The owners of the place where Reg buys his meals are at risk of closing down for two reasons: first, they sold out on Halloween, this is England, after all, so we have Bonfire Nights, and second, rats have been spotted around the shop.
Reg asks his daughter Rowan for help investigating the case, along with his two dogs and Cinnamon, Rowan’s cat; the animals, in fact, are able to communicate with Reg and Rowan thanks to “herbal-infused” collars.
The story is enjoyable; the chapters are short with just the right amount of intrigue. The presence of the talking dogs and cat certainly makes the story more entertaining, though Reg’s dad's jokes don’t quite do the same. The trio of Rowan, Reg, and the animals reminded me of Inspector Gadget, but Reg is competent.
I received a free copy of this book through Booksprout and am leaving a voluntary review.
October 5, 2026
Reg and the Pugs on the Case . . .
Reginald Thorne ("Reg") has retired in a charming village, but all too soon, blackmail notes threaten not only his own secret but the new business his friends have started. He and his two talking pugs, Pudding and Pickles, had expected to enjoy a restful life here and instead the blackmail note requires Reg to rejoin the service or lose everything. And rumors about a health inspection being required because of ghostly rats is meant to ruin the new vegan bistro his friends have started. It isn't clear whether both threats are related or not, but he needs to gather his pups, Pudding and Pickles, to investigate what is going on before the irreversible damage begins! Reg's daughter Rowan and her talkative cat Cinnamon join Reg and the pugs to gather the clues and thwart the blackmailers. Who would know about Reg's highly confidential past? Will they be able to find the answer with only a few days left before the damaging blackmail is released?
Reginald Thorne ("Reg") has retired in a charming village, but all too soon, blackmail notes threaten not only his own secret but the new business his friends have started. He and his two talking pugs, Pudding and Pickles, had expected to enjoy a restful life here and instead the blackmail note requires Reg to rejoin the service or lose everything. And rumors about a health inspection being required because of ghostly rats is meant to ruin the new vegan bistro his friends have started. It isn't clear whether both threats are related or not, but he needs to gather his pups, Pudding and Pickles, to investigate what is going on before the irreversible damage begins! Reg's daughter Rowan and her talkative cat Cinnamon join Reg and the pugs to gather the clues and thwart the blackmailers. Who would know about Reg's highly confidential past? Will they be able to find the answer with only a few days left before the damaging blackmail is released?
October 7, 2026
In book three of The Pugs Cozy mysteries, Reg Thorne, ex government operative, is settling into his retirement in the quiet Cotswold town of Whiskerleigh. He receives a blackmail note threatening to reveal his past on Halloween.There's only three days to solve the mystery. In the meantime his friends who run the Wagging Spoon cafe are having ghost rats problems. And there's a looming visit from the health inspector.
Reg and his talking pug twins, Pudding and Pickles are joined by his daughter, Rowan and her talking cat, Cinnamon. Together they solve the mysteries.
There's the eventual trouble between cat and dogs. Which seemed contrived to add some humor to the story. The pacing was even. The plotline was convoluted with lots of twists and turns.
I liked the concept more so than the execution. This cozy was really not my cup of tea. I am willing to give the author and series another read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reg and his talking pug twins, Pudding and Pickles are joined by his daughter, Rowan and her talking cat, Cinnamon. Together they solve the mysteries.
There's the eventual trouble between cat and dogs. Which seemed contrived to add some humor to the story. The pacing was even. The plotline was convoluted with lots of twists and turns.
I liked the concept more so than the execution. This cozy was really not my cup of tea. I am willing to give the author and series another read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2026
Biscuits & Blackmail is a fantastic book that made me laugh & smile as I read it…and not just cuz of Reginald Thorne’s dad jokes! His pug dogs Pudding & Pickles work really well with his daughter Rowan’s cat Cinnamon, his holy fluffiness. They stayed with him & the pugs for Hallowe’en…and also cuz he got notes threatening to tell everyone in the village his secret. Who knew about his past? Will the villagers get Hallowe’en festivities cancelled? Are there really ghost rats in the Wagging Spoon Cafe? Read how the sleuthing father/daughter duo & their sassy talking pets solve the mysteries! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Spots & Scribbles. And I think after reading this book, you’ll want to read the other 2 standalone books in the series. I got this funny quick read as an ARC from Book Sprout & this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
On a late evening in Puddle Park, Pickles discovers a newspaper coated with peanut butter. It has a band around it & also has a small note enclosed. Turns out it is a blackmail note! The next morning Rowan arrives with her cat, Cinnamon. Both Pudding & Pickles make it clear Cinnamon is a visitor! Reg is asked to help the local café which has rumours about ghost rats in the place. So, they stakeout the delivery that seems to bring them. The delivery is of the most amazing biscuits the brothers in the café are selling. There is a protest against the Halloween party, which turns out to be about something totally different. Once again, a delightful read.
October 1, 2026
Seasonal cozy mysteries are such a treat, so I'm really glad there is a Halloween story in The Pugs Cozy Mysteries series. I love that Reg's daughter Rowan and her cat Cinnamon are helping him and the pugs with the current mysterious happenings in Whiskerleigh. One of my favorite scenes is when they all walk around in a circle in Reg's apartment to clear their minds - that's 2 humans, 2 pugs, and a cat. Cinnamon finally loses it and it's hilarious!!
I really enjoy this author's light-hearted and humorous mysteries and I very highly recommend them!
I really enjoy this author's light-hearted and humorous mysteries and I very highly recommend them!
October 4, 2026
This book came at the right time since it’s a Halloween themed story and we are in October right now. Reg is getting black mailed again plus his friends new vegan bistro is being targeted so it’s time for Reg, Pickles and Pudding to put their thinking caps on and start investigating to see if the two are connected somehow. Cinnamon the cat is helping too along with Reg’s daughter. I enjoyed this light hearted and at times humorous story with diverse characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love these 2 pugs. Their personalities make these books a really fun read. Reg is always in the thick of things in his small town. The rumour of ghost rats is threatening a local business; the new Halloween festivities has some towns folk up in arms; and then there is a threat to Reg personally. Someone is threatening to expose his past as an intelligence operative. All this blends together into an entertaining cozy mystery.
October 8, 2026
loved it !! love this series !!! love Reg, pudding and Pickles, Rowan and Cinnamon... this is another mystery for them to solve... blackmail... and it's directed at Reg... he just wanted a nice quiet retirement in a lovely small village... he wasn't asking for much ... and his friend's vegan bistro.. well... this was so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2026
reg thorne and his two pugs: pickles and pudding are solving misteries. it starts with a blackmail notes that reg receives and a ghost rat rumor at the bistro. a VBTS member had gone rogue. no one expected the two mysteries to be connected.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A really good book by author Amanda Sterczyk.
This is the first book I have read by this author but
it won't be my last. The characters were so good. I loved reading.
I highly recommend it...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I have read by this author but
it won't be my last. The characters were so good. I loved reading.
I highly recommend it...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2026
Pudding and Pickles are back and joined again by Reg, Rowan and Cinnamon. There is a new mystery with surprises, and more humour to keep things entertaining. It was another fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews