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Oxford Dog Walker Crime Thrillers #1
The White Shepherd
First in the brand-new Anna Hopkins dog-walking mystery series: an intriguing new departure for award-winning writer Annie Dalton.
Anna Hopkins’ daily walk through Oxford’s picturesque Port Meadow is rudely interrupted one autumn morning when her white German Shepherd, Bonnie, unearths a bloodsoaked body in the undergrowth. For Anna it’s a double shock: she’d met the victim previously. Naomi Evans was a professional researcher who had told Anna she was working on a book about a famous Welsh poet, and who offered to help Anna trace Bonnie’s original owner.
From her conversations with Naomi, Anna is convinced that she was not the random victim of a psychopathic serial killer, as the police believe. She was targeted because of what she knew. With the official investigation heading in the wrong direction entirely, Anna teams up with fellow dogwalkers Isadora Salzman and Tansy Lavelle to discover the truth.
Anna Hopkins’ daily walk through Oxford’s picturesque Port Meadow is rudely interrupted one autumn morning when her white German Shepherd, Bonnie, unearths a bloodsoaked body in the undergrowth. For Anna it’s a double shock: she’d met the victim previously. Naomi Evans was a professional researcher who had told Anna she was working on a book about a famous Welsh poet, and who offered to help Anna trace Bonnie’s original owner.
From her conversations with Naomi, Anna is convinced that she was not the random victim of a psychopathic serial killer, as the police believe. She was targeted because of what she knew. With the official investigation heading in the wrong direction entirely, Anna teams up with fellow dogwalkers Isadora Salzman and Tansy Lavelle to discover the truth.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2015
827 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Annie Dalton
96 books99 followersAnnie grew up as an only child in the English countryside during the 1950s. Her father was not always around but when he was, he would tell her fantastical stories, often with her as the principal character. Annie missed him and his stories, which led her to the fantasy section at her local library, thus sparking life-long love of fiction.
After undertaking jobs such as waitressing, cleaning and factory work, Annie went on to study at University of Warwick and soon started writing.
Annie lives in Norfolk. She has three children, Anna, Reuben, and Maria (the inspiration for the first “Angels Unlimited” book, “Winging It”) and two grandchildren, Sophie and Isabella.
After undertaking jobs such as waitressing, cleaning and factory work, Annie went on to study at University of Warwick and soon started writing.
Annie lives in Norfolk. She has three children, Anna, Reuben, and Maria (the inspiration for the first “Angels Unlimited” book, “Winging It”) and two grandchildren, Sophie and Isabella.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
April 11, 2017
Not quite cosy enough to be a cosy mystery (perhaps a cosy thriller?) this was an interesting mystery involving three dog owning ladies who discover the body of a young woman on their morning walk. Anna, the main character and owner of the white Shepherd is trying to get over her traumatic past and had recently moved back to Oxford. She had spoken to Naomi, the young murder victim previously in the park and was supposed to be meeting her for coffee that morning. Following the murder, the three women decide to meet up again and start looking into what might have lead to Naomi's death. What follows is lots of intrigue, a few false trails, some old grievances and acts of love and revenge. The action was a little slow in the middle but generally well written and interesting. I didn't really get a good feel for Anna's personality but maybe that will improve in the sequel and I would liked to have seen more of Bonnie, the white Shepherd. 3.5★
September 29, 2022
I like Oxford setting. I was drawn into the friendship of the dog walkers who discover a body and then involve themselves in investigating the murder and all the people connected to the victim.
Much of the action is unrealistic/over-the-top. Time will tell if I bother with the following two books in this series. Got me through a sleepless night.
Kindle Unlimited
Much of the action is unrealistic/over-the-top. Time will tell if I bother with the following two books in this series. Got me through a sleepless night.
Kindle Unlimited
January 16, 2017
Anna Hopkins is in her early thirties and lives alone in an imposing house in Oxford that was once owned by her grandparents. During her teenage years she suffered from an unspeakable family tragedy, and her entire life is irrevocably changed as a result.
“…everyone she’d ever cared about ended up dead.”
She has no one in her life now except for her aging grandfather (whom she adores), and who lives in a care home nearby.
She decides to get a rescue dog for companionship and immediately falls in love with an intelligent white shepherd. The shepherd, Bonnie, once belonged to an elderly lady who has passed away, so the dog was sent to the pound.
As is the case with countless murder mysteries, it is when Anna is walking Bonnie in Port Meadow, a nearby park, that she finds a dead body. Only this body is a young woman that Anna had met before… a woman of charm and integrity that she felt she could have become friends with. Her name was Naomi Evans. She was a professional researcher. Two other women, also walking dogs, come to Anna’s aid and stay with her until the police arrive. These women, Isadora who is getting on in years, and Tansy, still ridiculously young, will become loyal and steadfast friends to Anna. Friends are a new phenomenon for Anna as previously she has never let herself be open to friendship.
Since other young women have come to a similar fate in the Oxford area, the police seem to think that Naomi’s murder was at the hands of a serial killer. Anna, and her two new friends Tansy and Isadora, have increasing reason to believe otherwise.
Anna finds a message on her phone from Naomi. Apparently she had left the message before going out for the last time… It would seem that Naomi researched Anna’s dog’s previous owners. She found that before Bonnie lived with the old lady, she had once belonged to an American soldier who served in Afghanistan. She gave Anna contact details, and Anna meets the man and learns more of Bonnie’s history. She also finds herself unmistakably attracted to this charming man with the southern drawl.
I loved the setting. Beautiful Oxford, absolutely steeped in history, yet “The White Shepherd” was a thoroughly modern murder mystery – complete with Google and iPads.
I confess that I’ve had this novel on my Kindle TBR for some time. Since it was touted as being “an Oxford dog walker’s mystery“, I mistakenly thought it was a mystery of the ‘cozy’ variety. Though it did have elements of a ‘cozy’, (eg. amateur detectives), I can categorically state that it is not.
The plot was well rendered, and well thought out. As with most murder mysteries, the motive was divulged in increments, revealing secrets about how someone would do anything to keep certain facts from coming to light. The characterization was fully-developed and I found myself liking Anna Hopkins (and Bonnie) very much.
“Family secrets are like splinters. Sooner or later they work their way out.”
In addition to its qualities as a mystery story, “The White Shepherd” also addresses how a singular event can act as a catalyst to change lives.
The only thing that I was disappointed in was the fact that the perpetrators of Anna’s original family tragedy were never brought to justice…
The ending of “The White Shepherd” forms an excellent segue to the next titles in the series. I’m convinced that this series will be appreciated by all mystery lovers, and dog lovers. The setting will appeal to all Anglophile readers.
I received a digital copy of this novel from the publishers, Severn House via NetGalley.
"Written in red", the follow-up to “The White Shepherd” is now available and I am anxious to read it.
(Sadly, it is no longer available on NetGalley…)
“…everyone she’d ever cared about ended up dead.”
She has no one in her life now except for her aging grandfather (whom she adores), and who lives in a care home nearby.
She decides to get a rescue dog for companionship and immediately falls in love with an intelligent white shepherd. The shepherd, Bonnie, once belonged to an elderly lady who has passed away, so the dog was sent to the pound.
As is the case with countless murder mysteries, it is when Anna is walking Bonnie in Port Meadow, a nearby park, that she finds a dead body. Only this body is a young woman that Anna had met before… a woman of charm and integrity that she felt she could have become friends with. Her name was Naomi Evans. She was a professional researcher. Two other women, also walking dogs, come to Anna’s aid and stay with her until the police arrive. These women, Isadora who is getting on in years, and Tansy, still ridiculously young, will become loyal and steadfast friends to Anna. Friends are a new phenomenon for Anna as previously she has never let herself be open to friendship.
Since other young women have come to a similar fate in the Oxford area, the police seem to think that Naomi’s murder was at the hands of a serial killer. Anna, and her two new friends Tansy and Isadora, have increasing reason to believe otherwise.
Anna finds a message on her phone from Naomi. Apparently she had left the message before going out for the last time… It would seem that Naomi researched Anna’s dog’s previous owners. She found that before Bonnie lived with the old lady, she had once belonged to an American soldier who served in Afghanistan. She gave Anna contact details, and Anna meets the man and learns more of Bonnie’s history. She also finds herself unmistakably attracted to this charming man with the southern drawl.
I loved the setting. Beautiful Oxford, absolutely steeped in history, yet “The White Shepherd” was a thoroughly modern murder mystery – complete with Google and iPads.
I confess that I’ve had this novel on my Kindle TBR for some time. Since it was touted as being “an Oxford dog walker’s mystery“, I mistakenly thought it was a mystery of the ‘cozy’ variety. Though it did have elements of a ‘cozy’, (eg. amateur detectives), I can categorically state that it is not.
The plot was well rendered, and well thought out. As with most murder mysteries, the motive was divulged in increments, revealing secrets about how someone would do anything to keep certain facts from coming to light. The characterization was fully-developed and I found myself liking Anna Hopkins (and Bonnie) very much.
“Family secrets are like splinters. Sooner or later they work their way out.”
In addition to its qualities as a mystery story, “The White Shepherd” also addresses how a singular event can act as a catalyst to change lives.
The only thing that I was disappointed in was the fact that the perpetrators of Anna’s original family tragedy were never brought to justice…
The ending of “The White Shepherd” forms an excellent segue to the next titles in the series. I’m convinced that this series will be appreciated by all mystery lovers, and dog lovers. The setting will appeal to all Anglophile readers.
I received a digital copy of this novel from the publishers, Severn House via NetGalley.
"Written in red", the follow-up to “The White Shepherd” is now available and I am anxious to read it.
(Sadly, it is no longer available on NetGalley…)
April 8, 2022
As another reviewer mentioned, Murder on Port Meadow seems much more a crime thriller than a cozy mystery. Acceptable, if a bit gruesome at times, intro to a new British murder mystery series. I will read the next.
January 28, 2024
Very unusual mystery. Kind of thriller-ish at first, then tries to be all deep and psychological. A "dark and painful background" overshadows the heroine's every waking move. Panic attacks threaten; agoraphobia awaits; the most basic activities are fraught with fear.
But she gets better. And in the end, the author writes a darn good mystery. I disliked the way that the white shepherd got pushed into the background about mid-novel and had little role to play until the end. But the two human characters, friends she picks up along the journey, were great, each with a background and some cool stuff going on in their present lives. There was a love interest too, but he was boring. Not looking forward to seeing more of him, and if I do read another book in the series, I hope he stays far away and off the page as much as possible.
So, very good. Very promising. We will see.
But she gets better. And in the end, the author writes a darn good mystery. I disliked the way that the white shepherd got pushed into the background about mid-novel and had little role to play until the end. But the two human characters, friends she picks up along the journey, were great, each with a background and some cool stuff going on in their present lives. There was a love interest too, but he was boring. Not looking forward to seeing more of him, and if I do read another book in the series, I hope he stays far away and off the page as much as possible.
So, very good. Very promising. We will see.
September 15, 2022
Such a good book and couldn’t wait till the ending!
September 21, 2022
Anna Hopkins while at walking her dog comes across a body. Unfortunately someone she knows. Is she another of the 'Oxford Ripper' victims or not. Anna with two other dog owners wonder.
Entertaining modern mystery though I did work out the guilty party.
Entertaining modern mystery though I did work out the guilty party.
October 12, 2019
The story is okay, nothing new. I picked this up because it was advertised at Amazon as a dogwalker's mystery, comparable to Susan Conant's Doglovers mystery. But this isn't a dog related mystery. It's just a mystery with a dog in the story, but in a very peripheral and generally absent role. The prolonged sections of the book where the dog has no presence irritated me, because that's not how it was advertised. Also, the author forgets the dog entirely at times - for example, she's out with the dog's original (stereotypically hunky) former owner. The dog ecstatically greets her long lost owner in the park. The dog has clearly been traumatized by the owner's absence; the present owner internal monologue is that she's guilty and somewhat jealous. Then the whole thing is dropped as the author has her go out to dinner with hunky love interest with no mention of the dog. What happened to the shepherd that was with them? Did they leave it in the car, put it in her handbag? When the former owner leaves there is not one word about how the dog takes the former owner's leaving. Why make such a point of this dog's attachment, the original owner's attachment and sense of loss, the present owner's tacit jealousy and then ignore this after setting up this scenario as they leave and meet and leave again. This is a disservice to dogs and a turnoff for real dog (and Shepherd owners) who know these dogs don't forget and really do attach. After that the mystery goes on with even less dog presence.
I'm disappointed in this as a dog related mystery. There are thousands of cozy mysteries with hunky love interests and picturesque settings. If I pick up and pay for a mystery that advertises itself as a dog related mystery, comparable to the dog lover's mysteries of Susan Conant, then I expect a writer who actually has a dog themselves. One who remembers that once you introduce a dog as a main character in the first chapter or two, enough that you name the book after it, you don't forget it and its needs and presence as a character as consistently as this author and her protagonist does. That as a writer you don't just write human characters (somewhat stereotypically as hunky love interest is) but have some understanding for the canine character you are using. If you use a dog as a hook to attract readers, then have some understanding of dogs. The dog here, after a promising setup, then becomes a placeholder of a character, cardboard and often forgotten.
I was considering whether I would buy the next volume in the series. But for a dog mystery it doesn't have enough dog for me, and the author doesn't seem able to write dogs any better than people. And as a mystery, it's just average. I'd give it three stars, but my annoyance over paying for a dog mystery and not getting one makes me drop it to 2.
I'm disappointed in this as a dog related mystery. There are thousands of cozy mysteries with hunky love interests and picturesque settings. If I pick up and pay for a mystery that advertises itself as a dog related mystery, comparable to the dog lover's mysteries of Susan Conant, then I expect a writer who actually has a dog themselves. One who remembers that once you introduce a dog as a main character in the first chapter or two, enough that you name the book after it, you don't forget it and its needs and presence as a character as consistently as this author and her protagonist does. That as a writer you don't just write human characters (somewhat stereotypically as hunky love interest is) but have some understanding for the canine character you are using. If you use a dog as a hook to attract readers, then have some understanding of dogs. The dog here, after a promising setup, then becomes a placeholder of a character, cardboard and often forgotten.
I was considering whether I would buy the next volume in the series. But for a dog mystery it doesn't have enough dog for me, and the author doesn't seem able to write dogs any better than people. And as a mystery, it's just average. I'd give it three stars, but my annoyance over paying for a dog mystery and not getting one makes me drop it to 2.
July 27, 2015
The White Shepherd is a superb thriller, set against the picturesque backdrop of Oxford. Unlike the majority of Annie Dalton’s novels, The White Shepherd is written for adult lovers of mystery and suspense (and dog lovers).
Anna Hopkins is a woman haunted by past tragedy. Her sole close companion is her beloved white German Shepherd, Bonnie. It comes as a shock when Bonnie discovers the mutilated body of a young woman in the park, a researcher Anna had met previously. Two other dog-walkers arrive at the same time Anna does, and the three form a friendship.
As it becomes clear that the police are looking in the wrong direction and are uninterested in Anna’s suspicions, she takes it on herself to discover the truth with Isadora and Tansy. Was Naomi the victim of a serial killer, or was her death linked to the research she was doing on a famous Oxford poet and his family? As Anna probes for the truth, she begins to open up again and start trusting. But will she trust the wrong person?
The White Shepherd is as much about Anna’s rediscovery of herself as it is a murder mystery. Dalton’s novel is a fine example of character driven mystery, filled with unique, well developed individuals. The beauty and distinct culture of Oxford is a wonderful setting. The White Shepherd is a wonderful choice for dog lovers and mystery lovers alike. I look forward to reading more mysteries featuring Anna Hopkins and Bonnie.
5/5
The White Shepherd is the first in the Anna Hopkins dogwalking mystery series. The novel is available for preorder and will be released October 1, 2015
I received a copy of The White Shepherd from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
Oxford comes alive in Annie Dalton’s The White Shepherd
http://muttcafe.com/2015/07/the-white...
Anna Hopkins is a woman haunted by past tragedy. Her sole close companion is her beloved white German Shepherd, Bonnie. It comes as a shock when Bonnie discovers the mutilated body of a young woman in the park, a researcher Anna had met previously. Two other dog-walkers arrive at the same time Anna does, and the three form a friendship.
As it becomes clear that the police are looking in the wrong direction and are uninterested in Anna’s suspicions, she takes it on herself to discover the truth with Isadora and Tansy. Was Naomi the victim of a serial killer, or was her death linked to the research she was doing on a famous Oxford poet and his family? As Anna probes for the truth, she begins to open up again and start trusting. But will she trust the wrong person?
The White Shepherd is as much about Anna’s rediscovery of herself as it is a murder mystery. Dalton’s novel is a fine example of character driven mystery, filled with unique, well developed individuals. The beauty and distinct culture of Oxford is a wonderful setting. The White Shepherd is a wonderful choice for dog lovers and mystery lovers alike. I look forward to reading more mysteries featuring Anna Hopkins and Bonnie.
5/5
The White Shepherd is the first in the Anna Hopkins dogwalking mystery series. The novel is available for preorder and will be released October 1, 2015
I received a copy of The White Shepherd from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
Oxford comes alive in Annie Dalton’s The White Shepherd
http://muttcafe.com/2015/07/the-white...
August 24, 2015
"The White Shepherd" is a suspense novel set in Oxford, England. The author did an awesome job of making it clear why the characters acted as they did. Anna isn't always a nice person. She's still struggling after a tragedy in her past and has trouble making friendships. I still cared what happened to her because I could see her struggling between her wants and her fears.
The author gave glimpses into the complex motives of even minor characters. Awesome dog, too. Ironically, it's the death of Naomi--a woman whom Anna thought might become a friend--that is a catalyst for Anna finally making some strong friendships.
Anna and her friends followed up on each new clue as to who killed Naomi, ran into false leads, and tried again. People unexpectedly died or went missing...but is it murder or something less sinister? I had a fair idea of whodunit and why about halfway through so I was not surprised by what Anna finally discovered. However, the author kept me firmly pulled into the story until the end because I wanted to know what happened with the characters.
The crime scenes were not described in a graphic, gory way, but they still felt vivid because of how the people viewing the scene reacted to it. There was no sex, mainly because Anna cannot let herself be vulnerable enough around others to allow such intimate contact. There was a fair amount of bad language of all kinds. The mystery that started with Naomi's death is wrapped up by the end, but the story did end with a "cliff hanger" of an unexplained but important Google alert going off. Overall, I'd recommend this complex suspense novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The author gave glimpses into the complex motives of even minor characters. Awesome dog, too. Ironically, it's the death of Naomi--a woman whom Anna thought might become a friend--that is a catalyst for Anna finally making some strong friendships.
Anna and her friends followed up on each new clue as to who killed Naomi, ran into false leads, and tried again. People unexpectedly died or went missing...but is it murder or something less sinister? I had a fair idea of whodunit and why about halfway through so I was not surprised by what Anna finally discovered. However, the author kept me firmly pulled into the story until the end because I wanted to know what happened with the characters.
The crime scenes were not described in a graphic, gory way, but they still felt vivid because of how the people viewing the scene reacted to it. There was no sex, mainly because Anna cannot let herself be vulnerable enough around others to allow such intimate contact. There was a fair amount of bad language of all kinds. The mystery that started with Naomi's death is wrapped up by the end, but the story did end with a "cliff hanger" of an unexplained but important Google alert going off. Overall, I'd recommend this complex suspense novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 7, 2016
One would think, in a novel titled The White Shepherd, that a dog might have a pivotal part in the story. Not so with this mystery, unfortunately. There is a white German shepherd in a supporting role, but she’s there as more of a device to cause other plot elements to occur. This would not be a major flaw if it weren’t for the misleading title. The mystery itself is fairly well crafted, although I guessed the Big Reveal early on. The plot has a good amount of twists, turns and surprises and some of the characters are vividly portrayed. The protagonist, however—Anna Hopkins—has a Damaged Past that she clings to most stubbornly, impairing her ability to bond with other people. She rescues Bonnie, the White Shepherd of the title, in the hopes of gaining comfort and companionship, but during the course of the novel she pretty much abandons the dog except when it suits her, or serves the plot. Murders occur and Anna, despite her presumed inability to make friends, takes on a crusade to solve one or two of them, leading her into jeopardy that any attentive reader will see coming. There are several digressions and side trips that slow down the action, and many times Anna engages in too much soul-searching and self-questioning without achieving a shred of enlightenment. The ending, however, is fairly suspenseful and satisfying and doesn’t leave the reader with a feeling of having been tricked or cheated.
September 13, 2015
This is a chiller set among the colleges of Oxford, in which our heroine works.
Walking her white GSD rescue dog one morning, Anna Hopkins is led by her dog to a murdered young woman. Two other dog walkers come to her aid, and when the police lump the death in with a serial attacker of women's victims, but Annie is certain that there is more to it, they work on the puzzle. A dangerous puzzle as it turns out... even here some people are willing to go to any lengths to protect their interests.
Characters are all important with pompous or arty types mingling with practical café staff and a US navy veteran. The dog Molly is also well drawn and well behaved. The city is itself a character of course, familiar to readers of the Morse books with an updated feel. I'm looking forward to more in this interesting series.
Walking her white GSD rescue dog one morning, Anna Hopkins is led by her dog to a murdered young woman. Two other dog walkers come to her aid, and when the police lump the death in with a serial attacker of women's victims, but Annie is certain that there is more to it, they work on the puzzle. A dangerous puzzle as it turns out... even here some people are willing to go to any lengths to protect their interests.
Characters are all important with pompous or arty types mingling with practical café staff and a US navy veteran. The dog Molly is also well drawn and well behaved. The city is itself a character of course, familiar to readers of the Morse books with an updated feel. I'm looking forward to more in this interesting series.
December 14, 2015
Award-winning author Annie Dalton is best known for her popular children’s and YA novels that include the very popular Agent Angel a.k.a. Angel Academy YA series. Luckily for us she’s decided to branch out into adult fiction with a new mystery series based on a dog walker in Oxford, Anna Hopkins. The White Shepherd is Book #1 in that series and, if it’s any example of what’s to come, I think she’s got a winner on her hands. Now I must admit that I’ve loved dogs (and pretty much all animals) since I was a toddler so I may be just a tad biased when it comes to novels that feature dog characters. But even without the dog, I’d like this mystery and its realistic main character. See what you think at http://popcornreads.com/?p=8774
October 5, 2015
The White Shepherd by Annie Dalton 3 Stars
A murder mystery set in Oxford.
Anna is somewhat of a recluse, after a family tragedy. She is out walking, Bonnie, a stray dog she has befriended, when Bonnie begins to dig up human remains.
There are quite a few twists and turns and the ending will not be what you suspect.
I enjoyed this story and even though I am not a dog lover, it still works for me.
A gripping read, full of suspense and a good cast of characters.
Take a chance, as it is worth a read.
Elphaba
Best Selling Crime Thrillers received a copy of this book to review
A murder mystery set in Oxford.
Anna is somewhat of a recluse, after a family tragedy. She is out walking, Bonnie, a stray dog she has befriended, when Bonnie begins to dig up human remains.
There are quite a few twists and turns and the ending will not be what you suspect.
I enjoyed this story and even though I am not a dog lover, it still works for me.
A gripping read, full of suspense and a good cast of characters.
Take a chance, as it is worth a read.
Elphaba
Best Selling Crime Thrillers received a copy of this book to review
October 24, 2022
I liked the setting as we often visit the area. Not sure of the relevance of Anna’s past. Random people seemed to be mentioned in the book but not sure why. The relevance of these people (where there was some) didn’t come to light for several pages. A difficult read. Not the sort of murder mystery I was expecting. Nothing seemed to tie up until the last few rushed pages. Made little sense to me. I never really understood why the person was murdered. I don’t like giving up on a book, but I wish I had on this occasion. Disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2022
This enjoyable character-driven murder mystery features three dog walkers, whose paths cross when the body of a young woman is discovered on Port Meadow, Oxford. For Anna Hopkins, the discovery is particularly upsetting as she recognises the victim, Naomi.
She also has her own demons to deal with, which make her hold back in her dealings with others. This part of the story is particularly well handled as Anna is slowly pulled into finding out who killed Naomi by fellow dog walkers Isadora and Tansy. Anna’s heart-warming journey back to some semblance of normality, even romance, is sympathetically told.
The three women set out to solve the murder using their contacts and knowledge of Oxford and its colleges, only partially aware of the danger that may befall them. The characters are vividly brought to life and their characters slowly unveiled as the story progresses.
While the pace is gentle, the characterisation, backstory and slowly rising tension kept me hooked to the exciting climax in this elegant murder mystery. The depth, detail and atmospheric settings all contribute to an entertaining story that’s got me wanting more.
Highly recommended.
She also has her own demons to deal with, which make her hold back in her dealings with others. This part of the story is particularly well handled as Anna is slowly pulled into finding out who killed Naomi by fellow dog walkers Isadora and Tansy. Anna’s heart-warming journey back to some semblance of normality, even romance, is sympathetically told.
The three women set out to solve the murder using their contacts and knowledge of Oxford and its colleges, only partially aware of the danger that may befall them. The characters are vividly brought to life and their characters slowly unveiled as the story progresses.
While the pace is gentle, the characterisation, backstory and slowly rising tension kept me hooked to the exciting climax in this elegant murder mystery. The depth, detail and atmospheric settings all contribute to an entertaining story that’s got me wanting more.
Highly recommended.
Read
April 10, 2022Anna Hopkins is on her daily walk through Oxford’s picturesque Port Meadow when her white German Shepherd rescue dog, Bonnie, finds a blood-soaked body in the undergrowth.
Anna’s heart races. A name forms inside her head. Naomi.
She knows the victim.
Anna’s in shock. Luckily, two other dog walkers come to her aid: older, outspoken Isadora and quiet, kind young Tansy.
The women don’t know each other, but the tragic discovery brings them together. When the police fail to make progress with their investigation, the dog walkers vow to find out who killed Naomi.
Then Bonnie’s original owner, Jake McCaffrey, shows up in Oxford. He claims Naomi reached out to him before her untimely death, but can Anna trust him?
With two mysteries to solve, will the dog walkers’ investigations put them all in danger?
This richly woven murder mystery is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Clare Chase, Jeanne M. Dams, Frances Evesham, Jane Adams, Simon Brett, Verity Bright, Lis Howell and Faith Martin.
Very Good.
Anna’s heart races. A name forms inside her head. Naomi.
She knows the victim.
Anna’s in shock. Luckily, two other dog walkers come to her aid: older, outspoken Isadora and quiet, kind young Tansy.
The women don’t know each other, but the tragic discovery brings them together. When the police fail to make progress with their investigation, the dog walkers vow to find out who killed Naomi.
Then Bonnie’s original owner, Jake McCaffrey, shows up in Oxford. He claims Naomi reached out to him before her untimely death, but can Anna trust him?
With two mysteries to solve, will the dog walkers’ investigations put them all in danger?
This richly woven murder mystery is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Clare Chase, Jeanne M. Dams, Frances Evesham, Jane Adams, Simon Brett, Verity Bright, Lis Howell and Faith Martin.
Very Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2023
I’m always on the lookout for mystery series that include dogs. So, The White Shepherd was right up my alley. And what an enjoyable experience it was!
Three women meet up when they stumble across the dead body of an associate of one of them while walking their dogs. Is the woman another victim of a serial killer on the loose? Or was she caught up in something else?
The story is told from Anna’s perspective. Anna is the current owner of Bonnie, the white shepherd of the title. She’s got a dark past and is still suffering from a lack of trust. But like so many of us, she is opening herself up to new relationships, thanks to her new rescue. She was a fully realized character and I immediately bonded with her. Ditto with Isadora and Tanzy, her new friends. These are gals I look forward to spending more time with. And, of course, I look forward to spending more time with Bonnie
Books with amateur sleuths can be hit or miss for me. This was a hit. It moves at a nice, brisk pace. On the whole, the plot was believable. There’s just the right mix of romance thrown in. It’s not a cozy mystery, in that there are some gruesome scenes.
Yes, I knew from fairly early on who was behind the murder. But that didn’t dampen my enjoyment.
I listened to this and was impressed by Karen Cass’s narration.
Three women meet up when they stumble across the dead body of an associate of one of them while walking their dogs. Is the woman another victim of a serial killer on the loose? Or was she caught up in something else?
The story is told from Anna’s perspective. Anna is the current owner of Bonnie, the white shepherd of the title. She’s got a dark past and is still suffering from a lack of trust. But like so many of us, she is opening herself up to new relationships, thanks to her new rescue. She was a fully realized character and I immediately bonded with her. Ditto with Isadora and Tanzy, her new friends. These are gals I look forward to spending more time with. And, of course, I look forward to spending more time with Bonnie
Books with amateur sleuths can be hit or miss for me. This was a hit. It moves at a nice, brisk pace. On the whole, the plot was believable. There’s just the right mix of romance thrown in. It’s not a cozy mystery, in that there are some gruesome scenes.
Yes, I knew from fairly early on who was behind the murder. But that didn’t dampen my enjoyment.
I listened to this and was impressed by Karen Cass’s narration.
September 6, 2022
Once in awhile I like to break out of reading only cozy mysteries when it comes to mysteries and read something with a little more gusto. Something that will keep me up at night reading until I literally fall face first into my pillow. This was one of those books.
I could hardly wait until I got to the chapter where the murderer was caught. How was Anna going to turn out? Was she going to wind up in a mental institution eating with just a spoon? Or was she going to catch the murder(s) and be vindicated? And what about the dog?
All was resolved in the last chapters.
I could hardly wait until I got to the chapter where the murderer was caught. How was Anna going to turn out? Was she going to wind up in a mental institution eating with just a spoon? Or was she going to catch the murder(s) and be vindicated? And what about the dog?
All was resolved in the last chapters.
October 29, 2022
A brutal murder brought three strangers with dogs together. Three differently damaged women have questions. Was the woman they all briefly knew murdered as part of a serial killer's plan or was it a one-off using the serial aspect to hide guilt. The next death is related, but the question in this case is was it really suicide by a terminally ill man or was it murder. The plot is tight and realistic complete with some surprising red herrings and twists, the characters are so very well done and engaging. I really liked it and will hunt down the next!
March 20, 2022
Outstanding characters .
Loved this book. Anna,Tansy and Isadora meet when they are walking their dogs and find the body of Naomi. All of the characters are so well developed including Bonnie the white shepherd. This is more than a murder mystery because these three women all have backstories and baggage. The descriptive writing is beautiful and captures each scene. The dialogue is realistic and revealing. Hope there is another book to follow.
Loved this book. Anna,Tansy and Isadora meet when they are walking their dogs and find the body of Naomi. All of the characters are so well developed including Bonnie the white shepherd. This is more than a murder mystery because these three women all have backstories and baggage. The descriptive writing is beautiful and captures each scene. The dialogue is realistic and revealing. Hope there is another book to follow.
April 27, 2022
Excellent read... Fascinating page turner
Its like a concert of words, opening building new characters, getting to know them and understanding their humanity.
I loved this book because it was easy to become engaged and at home with each one. Midway it becomes more compelling the mystery becomes more intense. I became so involved,hours went by so quickly. It keeps you guessing to the very end. Bravo!
Its like a concert of words, opening building new characters, getting to know them and understanding their humanity.
I loved this book because it was easy to become engaged and at home with each one. Midway it becomes more compelling the mystery becomes more intense. I became so involved,hours went by so quickly. It keeps you guessing to the very end. Bravo!
March 25, 2023
I usually do not like if the "investigators" (using this term loosely) have a bunch of problems from the past which may influence the investigations. However, in this case, the plot was good and so well written, that I was caught in the story and those three amateur lady investigators. All three of them with problems from their past, which nevertheless do not prevent them from getting their teeth into murder.
Off to get the next in the series - definitely one I will follow.
Off to get the next in the series - definitely one I will follow.
March 24, 2022
I would not call this book “cozy”. I wasn’t sure at first whether I was going to keep reading but, it was worth continuing, because it developed into a great read. Three ladies and three dogs inside a web of intrigue. Different to the normal who dun its. I can recommend this book, remember keep reading and you will enjoy it.
March 26, 2022
Oof
I bought this because it sounded intriguing but after the I started it I thought nope, not my cup of tea! But I'd gotten to where she was going to her first meeting with Jake and I thought I'll just see what that is. Then I just kept going and am I glad I did! And now on to the next book!
I bought this because it sounded intriguing but after the I started it I thought nope, not my cup of tea! But I'd gotten to where she was going to her first meeting with Jake and I thought I'll just see what that is. Then I just kept going and am I glad I did! And now on to the next book!
May 13, 2022
Well worth the read!
The book is very well written. I have OCD and grammatical and spelling errors bother me. I found none. There was a
mystery within a mystery that kept me guessing till the end. Not to brag or anything, but I usually figure out who. Not with this book. I highly recommend it.
The book is very well written. I have OCD and grammatical and spelling errors bother me. I found none. There was a
mystery within a mystery that kept me guessing till the end. Not to brag or anything, but I usually figure out who. Not with this book. I highly recommend it.
September 26, 2022
Good opener to a new series. Anna Hopkins is a woman in her mid-thirties who works in Oxford, England. She survived a horrible tragedy and is badly broken. She needs more therapy. While walking her dog, she finds a dead body and meets two other damaged women. The three women become friends and support each other. Interesting thriller more than mystery. Good, very detailed characters.
February 12, 2024
Solid mystery with plenty of intrigue and likeable amateur sleuths. I also appreciate the Oxford setting and inclusion of Bonnie, the canine hero of the story. Wasn't entirely surprised by "whodunit" - there was a bit of foreshadowing throughout the book - but I did not expect things to play out quite how they did. A good way to pass a few nights!
March 12, 2025
I did guess at least parts of the ending. When you've eliminated all of the suspects except one, that one becomes obvious. And once that one is obvious, all the evil stands out. Once again, I tried to warn our heroine, but they just never listen to me. An for dog lovers, spoil alert, the dog doesn't die. But of course not, it's a series after all.
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