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A Dixie Hemingway Mystery #11
The Cat Sitter and the Canary
Set in the lush and beautiful island of Siesta Key, with a cast of characters that Dixie fans the world over have come to know and love, The Cat Sitter and the Canary is the next book by Blaize and her son John Clement. Dixie Hemingway, everyone’s favorite pet-sitting sleuth, is back for yet another riveting case. A delightful addition to this critically acclaimed series, The Cat Sitter and the Canary is sure to leave both mystery fans and cat lovers alike purring with delight.This time, Dixie finds a tall, handsome tourist loitering around the home of one of her long-time clients. He tells her he’s just arrived from Scotland and that he’s lost his glasses, which presumably explains why he can’t find the house he rented for his seaside vacation. Dixie points him to the bungalow across the street (but not before rebuffing a few of the sexy Scotsman’s passes) and then continues about her business. She doesn’t think about him again until she stumbles upon a dead body in her client’s front hall — a man in a three-piece suit with jet-black hair, delicate wrists, and a small notecard stuck to his lapel with a pearl-tipped hat pin. Right away, Dixie puts on her sleuthing cap and starts looking for clues, but when she sees what’s written on that card, she knows… this is going to be an adventure unlike any she’s ever had before. And if she’s not careful, it just might be her last!
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
64 people are currently reading
1088 people want to read
About the author
Blaize Clement
35 books257 followersMy passion is people. I think people are absolutely magnificent. Not the power-hungry heads of governments or churches or corporations who justify all kinds of horror if it suits their goals, but the rest of us. In spite of the awful things some human beings do in order to control other human beings, most people are peacefully going about their own business, and I applaud that. Families are the backbone of any civilization, and parenting is the most important job in the world.
That same passion and respect for people makes me a strong supporter of the right of any two adults who wish to combine their lives and property to do so without anybody judging them or erecting laws to make their lives more difficult. It seems to me that people who go around condemning how or who somebody else loves would better mind their own business and spend that time showing love to their own spouses or lovers.
As a polio survivor, I’m zealous about ADA laws being implemented and intelligently observed. I try to keep a sense of humor about architectural barriers, but curb cuts and gentle ramps aren’t so difficult to install, and they make life a lot easier for many people. And does anybody know the purpose of those metal bars attached to the walls in handicap-accessible bathrooms? I used to think they might be there in case somebody in a wheelchair decided to rinse out her panty hose, but that can’t be it.
My favorite story of all time is Rudyard Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child. When my two sons were little, I would beg them to let me read that story to them, and sometimes they would indulge me. When my five grandchildren were small, I made a tape of myself reading it so they could listen to it when I wasn’t there. They indulged me too. I still get a little bubble of delight at the 'satiable Elephant's Child saying to all his dear families, “I am going to the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.”
My favorite scene in all literature is from another Rudyard Kipling story, The Jungle Book, where the wolf pack has met to look over the new cubs so they would know their own from an enemy, and Father Wolf pushes Mowgli into the center.
Come to think of it, I suppose those beloved stories about the intelligence and nobility of animals, coupled with my passion for families and children has inevitably led to writing the Dixie Hemingway Mystery series. The relationship between people and pets is one of the highest examples of unconditional love, and Dixie Hemingway is a professional pet sitter who values her family and the pets she takes care of above all else.
Okay, we’re almost finished with this pseudo-bio.
I think the best writing being done today gets the least amount of respect. Good writing isn’t determined by the subject matter, but by how well the writer keeps the reader fascinated and anxious. With few exceptions, that means good mysteries, horror, and sci-fi. I’m proud to be a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime.
My favorite quote is from the 14th century Sufi poet, Hafiz: “Sweetheart, O Sweetheart, you are God in drag!”
Okay, that’s my bio. Now you know the “real me.” I hope we meet someday and that you’ll tell me about the real you.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/blaize...
That same passion and respect for people makes me a strong supporter of the right of any two adults who wish to combine their lives and property to do so without anybody judging them or erecting laws to make their lives more difficult. It seems to me that people who go around condemning how or who somebody else loves would better mind their own business and spend that time showing love to their own spouses or lovers.
As a polio survivor, I’m zealous about ADA laws being implemented and intelligently observed. I try to keep a sense of humor about architectural barriers, but curb cuts and gentle ramps aren’t so difficult to install, and they make life a lot easier for many people. And does anybody know the purpose of those metal bars attached to the walls in handicap-accessible bathrooms? I used to think they might be there in case somebody in a wheelchair decided to rinse out her panty hose, but that can’t be it.
My favorite story of all time is Rudyard Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child. When my two sons were little, I would beg them to let me read that story to them, and sometimes they would indulge me. When my five grandchildren were small, I made a tape of myself reading it so they could listen to it when I wasn’t there. They indulged me too. I still get a little bubble of delight at the 'satiable Elephant's Child saying to all his dear families, “I am going to the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.”
My favorite scene in all literature is from another Rudyard Kipling story, The Jungle Book, where the wolf pack has met to look over the new cubs so they would know their own from an enemy, and Father Wolf pushes Mowgli into the center.
Come to think of it, I suppose those beloved stories about the intelligence and nobility of animals, coupled with my passion for families and children has inevitably led to writing the Dixie Hemingway Mystery series. The relationship between people and pets is one of the highest examples of unconditional love, and Dixie Hemingway is a professional pet sitter who values her family and the pets she takes care of above all else.
Okay, we’re almost finished with this pseudo-bio.
I think the best writing being done today gets the least amount of respect. Good writing isn’t determined by the subject matter, but by how well the writer keeps the reader fascinated and anxious. With few exceptions, that means good mysteries, horror, and sci-fi. I’m proud to be a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime.
My favorite quote is from the 14th century Sufi poet, Hafiz: “Sweetheart, O Sweetheart, you are God in drag!”
Okay, that’s my bio. Now you know the “real me.” I hope we meet someday and that you’ll tell me about the real you.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/blaize...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book a lot!
January 3, 2017
The Cat Sitter and the Canary by Blaize & John Clement.
Dixie Hemingway (cat/pet sitter) pulls up to a client's home only to find a stranger outside the front door. This stranger has such a thick Scottish accent she has trouble understanding a word out of his mouth. She is finally able to point him towards the correct address he's been looking for. Later Dixie returns to that client's home and stumbles upon a body.
The police arrive shortly thereafter and while trying to uncover any clues that may lead to the identity of the victim a note is discovered. It's a note pointing to Dixie as his/her target.
The reason(s) I keep coming back for another entry in the Dixie Hemingway series are the true to life characters that I find likable. The relationships with strong ties from their past and loyal kinship/friendships.
A killer ending.
Dixie Hemingway (cat/pet sitter) pulls up to a client's home only to find a stranger outside the front door. This stranger has such a thick Scottish accent she has trouble understanding a word out of his mouth. She is finally able to point him towards the correct address he's been looking for. Later Dixie returns to that client's home and stumbles upon a body.
The police arrive shortly thereafter and while trying to uncover any clues that may lead to the identity of the victim a note is discovered. It's a note pointing to Dixie as his/her target.
The reason(s) I keep coming back for another entry in the Dixie Hemingway series are the true to life characters that I find likable. The relationships with strong ties from their past and loyal kinship/friendships.
A killer ending.
January 5, 2017
I love this series, and this book does not disappoint. I would recommend reading all the books in order, but it can be read as a stand alone. I can not wait until the next book, what a cliff hanger.
January 1, 2017
Just an all around enjoyable series. I can't wait for the next one.
March 7, 2017
I could not put this book down! I love these books so much I am going to re-read them while I am waiting for the next one! Write faster John!
March 20, 2017
Loved this book - suspenseful, funny, and I love the continuing growth of the characters. Plus, something happens at the end that has me on the edge waiting for the next in the series!
February 23, 2017
Random thoughts –writing style was very easy to read. For a book with Canaray in the title there was very little canary in the story. Gigi the rabbit was much more prominent. I thought the whole Guidry issue was resolved in the previous book and was glad for that sense of closure so to have Dixie spend most of the book obsessively thinking about Guidry’s upcoming wedding was a bit odd but it makes sense in light of that ending. I guess that also explains why this one was fairly light on woth Ethan. In terms of the mystery, Dixie didn’t do much investigating she just had things happen to her and the resolution with the killer was abrupt and when we had the first revelation of who was behind the whole thing I thought “how stupid. That makes no sense whatsoever” but then it turns out that is not the case and while it was nothing we could have guessed from clues in the book it was definitely more believable.
January 31, 2017
Great addition to the series!
Dealing with a bunny and a canary in this latest edition of the "Cat Sitter" series, Dixie is again in the thick of murder and mystery. The surprise ending leaves one breathlessly awaiting the next installment
Dealing with a bunny and a canary in this latest edition of the "Cat Sitter" series, Dixie is again in the thick of murder and mystery. The surprise ending leaves one breathlessly awaiting the next installment
May 30, 2017
Very enjoyable read. It was hard to put down, even with all the dead bodies. This was my first Dixie book and I am looking forward to more.
March 14, 2017
I love this series totally and completely. After Blaize Clement passed away, I thought Dixie died with her. Although I am usually right (just ask my family), I was dead wrong on this. John Clement has taken the Dixie series and made his Mom proud. In fact, I think the writing is better! Although each book could be read individually, start with #1 and plow through them in sequence. You won't want to miss a word.
January 19, 2023
I'm an avid reader and, yet, have never heard of this series. I picked it up in the library because of the cover - a cat looking wistfully at a canary in a golden cage. It's the 11th in the series, but I was only vaguely aware that I was missing background. It does well as a stand alone book and is a cozy, pet-centered thriller written with wit and suspense. The characters are engaging and fun.
Dixie Hemingway lives on the island of Siesta Key off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. She is a "whatever" sitter of animals (except snakes, thank you). She used to be a deputy with the Sarasota Sheriff's Dept., but a family tragedy had her quitting her job because she couldn't handle it any longer. The story opens with Dixie visiting vacationing client Caroline Greaver's house to care for a cat named Franklin and a rabbit named Gigi. Dixie has with her another client's Lhasa apso who is too destructive to be left alone. Arriving at Caroline's house, she spots a man with a heavy Scottish accent named Rupert Wolff at the door. Turns out he is at the wrong house. Dixie gets a creepy feeling from him so enters by a side entrance rather than the front door. Inside, Charlie runs to the front of the house and scratches up the front door trying to get out. It isn't until the next day, when she returns, that Dixie discovers a dead body behind the front door. What turns out to look like a man is actually a woman dressed like a man with a note attached that reads "See you in Hell, Dixie".
Later, another body turns up dead on the road leading to Dixie's house. Another note attached to this body reads "Third time's a charm". Dixie has no clue why someone wants her dead. The detective assigned to the case is Detective Matthew Carthage who looks like a lanky boy of sixteen. He's a fun character.
A sub plot involves a notorious well-known ex model who wants Dixie to take care of her exotic yellow canary. Her name is Elba Kramer and her name became synonymous with scandal when she was caught on a yacht canoodling on deck with a well-respected politician named Morton Cobb. Dixie was still a deputy then and was sent to control the tourists taking pictures of the two. It was the end of his political career. While visiting Elba's home to arrange the care of the canary, someone fires a spray of bullets through the library window and Elba's husband is killed. Dixie thinks the bullets were meant for her. She wants to run away so no one else will be killed.
A third sub-plot involves a lot of the town folk hiring Dixie to watch their animals while they go to New Orleans to attend the wedding of Dixie's old boy friend Guidry. Everyone keeps reminding her of what she wants to forget. Dixie picks the most inopportune time to propose to her current boyfriend, Ethan. This all culminates in a surprise cliff-hangar ending on the last page of the book. There are a couple of red herrings to keep y0u off-track and lead you away from the murderer.
I discovered in reading some of the reviews that the original author of the series died and her son picked up where she left off and is continuing to write new books. I will definitely be looking for previous books; and, only then, can I compare the two authors. I definitely liked this book and look forward to finding out how the cliff-hangar is resolved. Good light, fast-paced reading.
Dixie Hemingway lives on the island of Siesta Key off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. She is a "whatever" sitter of animals (except snakes, thank you). She used to be a deputy with the Sarasota Sheriff's Dept., but a family tragedy had her quitting her job because she couldn't handle it any longer. The story opens with Dixie visiting vacationing client Caroline Greaver's house to care for a cat named Franklin and a rabbit named Gigi. Dixie has with her another client's Lhasa apso who is too destructive to be left alone. Arriving at Caroline's house, she spots a man with a heavy Scottish accent named Rupert Wolff at the door. Turns out he is at the wrong house. Dixie gets a creepy feeling from him so enters by a side entrance rather than the front door. Inside, Charlie runs to the front of the house and scratches up the front door trying to get out. It isn't until the next day, when she returns, that Dixie discovers a dead body behind the front door. What turns out to look like a man is actually a woman dressed like a man with a note attached that reads "See you in Hell, Dixie".
Later, another body turns up dead on the road leading to Dixie's house. Another note attached to this body reads "Third time's a charm". Dixie has no clue why someone wants her dead. The detective assigned to the case is Detective Matthew Carthage who looks like a lanky boy of sixteen. He's a fun character.
A sub plot involves a notorious well-known ex model who wants Dixie to take care of her exotic yellow canary. Her name is Elba Kramer and her name became synonymous with scandal when she was caught on a yacht canoodling on deck with a well-respected politician named Morton Cobb. Dixie was still a deputy then and was sent to control the tourists taking pictures of the two. It was the end of his political career. While visiting Elba's home to arrange the care of the canary, someone fires a spray of bullets through the library window and Elba's husband is killed. Dixie thinks the bullets were meant for her. She wants to run away so no one else will be killed.
A third sub-plot involves a lot of the town folk hiring Dixie to watch their animals while they go to New Orleans to attend the wedding of Dixie's old boy friend Guidry. Everyone keeps reminding her of what she wants to forget. Dixie picks the most inopportune time to propose to her current boyfriend, Ethan. This all culminates in a surprise cliff-hangar ending on the last page of the book. There are a couple of red herrings to keep y0u off-track and lead you away from the murderer.
I discovered in reading some of the reviews that the original author of the series died and her son picked up where she left off and is continuing to write new books. I will definitely be looking for previous books; and, only then, can I compare the two authors. I definitely liked this book and look forward to finding out how the cliff-hangar is resolved. Good light, fast-paced reading.
August 24, 2017
I'm hopeful that John Clements will continue the series! That Said, this particular books was Loaded with surprises! Dixie Hemingway is a great character with wonderful supporting characters. Rather than spoil this last book's surprises, I will only say to John Clements, "We MUST know how Dixie's surprise visitor affects her life!" You cannot leave us all hanging!
February 28, 2017
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I love all the characters and this story had so many twists and turns that I did not know who did what to who until the end and then it left me with a real cliffhanger ending. Now I will be champing at the bit for the next book. John Clement has taken up the series when his mother died and is doing a great job with the series.
February 7, 2017
#11 in the Dixie Hemingway series. A fine entry in this fun, animal-centric, cozy mystery series. Since it's a cozy, I'm not too disturbed by lapses in plot logic; however, Dixie's old flame Guidry has moved to New Orleans and is about to get married and there are a ridiculous number of people reminding Dixie of this and commiserating with her. It's almost enough to distract her from the serial killer stalking her. A fun read.
The Siesta Key, Fla., pet sitter and former deputy sheriff stops by the house of vacationing Caroline Greaver, who has left a cat and a rabbit at home. Accompanying Dixie is Charlie, a "fluffy-faced Lhasa Apso who thinks he's a much bigger, more athletic breed." It's Charlie who draws Dixie's attention to a dead body lying in Caroline's front hall. The detectives who subsequently investigate find a note on the body: "See you in hell, Dixie." Despite the threat, Dixie maintains her normal schedule, including meeting the island's so-called scarlet woman, Elba Kramer, who wants Dixie to care for her rare bird. A second body and a second note with a chilling message indicate Dixie is next. A near miss for Dixie sends her on the run.
The Siesta Key, Fla., pet sitter and former deputy sheriff stops by the house of vacationing Caroline Greaver, who has left a cat and a rabbit at home. Accompanying Dixie is Charlie, a "fluffy-faced Lhasa Apso who thinks he's a much bigger, more athletic breed." It's Charlie who draws Dixie's attention to a dead body lying in Caroline's front hall. The detectives who subsequently investigate find a note on the body: "See you in hell, Dixie." Despite the threat, Dixie maintains her normal schedule, including meeting the island's so-called scarlet woman, Elba Kramer, who wants Dixie to care for her rare bird. A second body and a second note with a chilling message indicate Dixie is next. A near miss for Dixie sends her on the run.
January 22, 2019
We all wondered how this series would fare when original author Blaize Clement died and her son John took over. And on the whole, he has done a terrific job of continuing the adventures of cat-sitter Dixie Hemingway, a courageous women with a tragic past who has managed to survive to mostly enjoy life and solve a few mysteries along the way.
In this outing, Dixie is apparently and mysteriously being targeted for murder: two dead bodies are found with notes attached indicating Dixie will be next.
The plot in this one is a little over the top, but Clement does a great job with building suspense until the very end and then drops a bombshell sure to surprise the reader as much as it surprised Dixie.
This is a great book in a favorite and continually entertaining mystery series. Highly recommended.
In this outing, Dixie is apparently and mysteriously being targeted for murder: two dead bodies are found with notes attached indicating Dixie will be next.
The plot in this one is a little over the top, but Clement does a great job with building suspense until the very end and then drops a bombshell sure to surprise the reader as much as it surprised Dixie.
This is a great book in a favorite and continually entertaining mystery series. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2017
I really like the direction this series has taken with John's addition. Sometimes Dixie's practicality and persistent get-up-and-go felt a bit forced. These past few books have shown a stronger depth to her perspective. Not so much in the plot or dialogue, but in the descriptive narration. The way she sees things and describes events is a little bit darker. She notices things I'm not sure she would have seen before. She's a little bit sadder, but it's good because a) she has reason to be sad, and b) it shows a lot of character growth. Previously she had been all walled up, trying to deal her tragedies, but now she's opening herself up more to some of the things she buried deep inside. It's painful, but it's healing, and it's growth.
February 2, 2017
Hurrah! John Clements appears to have hit his stride. After his mother, Blaize Clement, died and he took on writing this series, the portrayal of Dixie Hemingway had a bit of a hiccup. He's still pretty dependent on the romance angle in this one -- hence the "surprise ending" [saw that one coming] -- but at least Dixie doesn't look like a simpering idiot. The mystery was a little more convoluted than it probably needed to be, and the resolution via phone was a little too neat, but all in all, this was a good read. Must have been as I finished it in about 24 hours, staying up late until the grit in my eyes forced me to call it a night. Now, when does the next one come out?
December 27, 2016
Another hit
Once again John Clement writes a great story about the Dixie Hemingway series! It has so many ins and outs in the plot that I really couldn't figure out who the bad guys were. I really think it is one of the best Dixie stories I have read so far. Dixie seems more mature now and able to handle things that happen to her, even if she sometimes still can work up a Dookie. But John, those cliffhangers are brutal. You really need to speed up the writing and get the next novel out to us!
Once again John Clement writes a great story about the Dixie Hemingway series! It has so many ins and outs in the plot that I really couldn't figure out who the bad guys were. I really think it is one of the best Dixie stories I have read so far. Dixie seems more mature now and able to handle things that happen to her, even if she sometimes still can work up a Dookie. But John, those cliffhangers are brutal. You really need to speed up the writing and get the next novel out to us!
January 6, 2017
While this book lists two authors, the mother, Blaize Clement, dies in 2011, so the book was mostly written by her son John. I felt that in this book particularly, the quality of writing has diminished. In several places it seemed as if descriptions and backstory were lifted right out of some earlier books in the series. Consequently, not enough care was taken with the current plot.
I still fin Dixie Hemingway an interesting character, but the actual mystery seem more contrived than the earlier books. That is why I gave it a lower rating.
I still fin Dixie Hemingway an interesting character, but the actual mystery seem more contrived than the earlier books. That is why I gave it a lower rating.
January 10, 2017
This was a pleasant read with some interesting twists and turns, and one at the end that was a bit unsettling. It wasn't particularly memorable for the plot, but I'm always captivated by the setting and the supporting characters...and, of course, the cats. It's a good series, and this was a good entry. I missed Billy Elliot in this one, though.
February 13, 2017
I loved this series since the first book. After the author died, her son took over the writing...he and his mother had worked together to get plots planned before her death and he has done a great job. There are some subtle changes with new authorship, but still a great series.
January 3, 2017
I know these are light reading, but I love Dixie and her love of animals.
February 12, 2017
continues to be enjoyable series
September 30, 2017
No. I'm sorry, I reject that ending. I reject the half-hearted, rushed wrap-up of the case, and I reject the final page. (Except that yes, it also kind of makes sense and fits so I don't know how I feel about it and maybe I need to go back and read the other books again.)
That aside, I'm getting a little tired of the same rehashing of the story in every single book. I get that perhaps the author wants the books to be able to stand alone for a new reader. But the constant rehashing of 'this is how Todd and Christie died and this is how Dixie fell apart' and 'this is Michael and his hot partner Paco and oh, they cook dinner and eat out on the deck and it is glorious and they love Dixie because Michael has been protective of her ever since their crappy childhood, although their grandparents loved them very much and left them their beachfront property which is worth a lot of money' and by the way, one of Dixie's regular clients is Tom Hale and he's in a wheelchair but he does Dixie's taxes in exchange for her running around the oval parking lot with his retired greyhound, Billy Elliot so that they can ride up in the elevator panting and grinning ear to ear. I'm pretty sure that exact phrase appears in several books. I'm also beginning to think that Tom is contractually obligated to be given a spot in each book, even if it is a pointless, half-page mention. So yes, take out the repetitive filler and I think you've got about half a book. A book which, I will admit, is still kind of fun to read.
That aside, I'm getting a little tired of the same rehashing of the story in every single book. I get that perhaps the author wants the books to be able to stand alone for a new reader. But the constant rehashing of 'this is how Todd and Christie died and this is how Dixie fell apart' and 'this is Michael and his hot partner Paco and oh, they cook dinner and eat out on the deck and it is glorious and they love Dixie because Michael has been protective of her ever since their crappy childhood, although their grandparents loved them very much and left them their beachfront property which is worth a lot of money' and by the way, one of Dixie's regular clients is Tom Hale and he's in a wheelchair but he does Dixie's taxes in exchange for her running around the oval parking lot with his retired greyhound, Billy Elliot so that they can ride up in the elevator panting and grinning ear to ear. I'm pretty sure that exact phrase appears in several books. I'm also beginning to think that Tom is contractually obligated to be given a spot in each book, even if it is a pointless, half-page mention. So yes, take out the repetitive filler and I think you've got about half a book. A book which, I will admit, is still kind of fun to read.
February 5, 2017
I’m a slow reader and occasionally can judge a book by how long it takes to finish. This was finished in 3 days. It caught my interest and didn’t drag. The series continues to have a bit different feel with John as author. Longstanding characters are being written without much depth, seemingly included more as filler than important parts of Dixie’s life. On the other hand Dixie may be finally starting to confront her demons. I realize what she went through is horrific but it’s time to let her move on from the crushing weight of her memories.
The story is well written. The author doesn’t throw so many possible suspects into the mix that the reader doesn’t know which end is up. The mystery is clean, well plotted and, in my opinion, ended well.
Now to the “shocking” final page:
The story is well written. The author doesn’t throw so many possible suspects into the mix that the reader doesn’t know which end is up. The mystery is clean, well plotted and, in my opinion, ended well.
Now to the “shocking” final page:
July 5, 2020
Definitely not the best cozy I've read. When you read descriptions of female characters as ugly or characterizing them with having breasts the size of "two Goodyear blimps floating side by side in front of her body". From what I gathered from reviews of the earlier books in the series, Blaize did essentially the same thing, but I'm not sure if the unnecessary commentary on the size of a woman's breasts is purely her son who know write the series or something that she did herself.
The plot is pretty flat with things keep having to Dixie but not much of solving anything from her until the very end but nothing that the detectives couldn't have done without her.
I have no desire to continue with this series even though I love the idea of a mystery solving pet sitter, but the characters are too flat and shallow for my liking.
The plot is pretty flat with things keep having to Dixie but not much of solving anything from her until the very end but nothing that the detectives couldn't have done without her.
I have no desire to continue with this series even though I love the idea of a mystery solving pet sitter, but the characters are too flat and shallow for my liking.
February 26, 2023
I love the Dixie Hemingway series. This was my least favorite. I am sure because her son finished it but it was disjointed and had some pointless parts. The plot also wasn't as smooth. Dixies quirky witt was missing. There were parts that this book missed, dropping the clothes in the washer and doing her bills, her regular clients connections. There were clear errors in police work - recite the alphabet backwards. There also was some aspects that were clearly written by her son that she wouldn't have written. I really hated the ending. It implied her son will be continuing the series and since it has been nearly a decade I doubt it. So with this, I say goodbye Dixie. I enjoyed your grief and humor, the animals and shenanigans.
July 5, 2020
After a disappointing second book in the series, I skipped to the last one to see if a pair of hinted at romances ever took wing. Glad I checked this out because it was a really good story with a great cliff hanger. Though I have to wonder why Detective McKenzie didn't spill the shocker that seems everyone in town witnessed.
Dixie Hemingway stumbles onto a murder scene with personal messages. Is someone out to get her. At least this time she has a car charger for her cell phone which comes up again.
Alas, doesn't appear there any more pet sitting adventures.
We're all left to write our own ending for now..
Dixie Hemingway stumbles onto a murder scene with personal messages. Is someone out to get her. At least this time she has a car charger for her cell phone which comes up again.
Alas, doesn't appear there any more pet sitting adventures.
We're all left to write our own ending for now..
August 28, 2022
I love the Dixie series and Blaize's son has done an excellent job in continuing the books...but this title was not my favorite. Dixie is operating in a panicked haze most of the time and that didn't ring true. With her police background and the past experiences she's had as a pet sitter, I just don't think that she would have been that unnerved. The cliffhanger ending also bothered me, especially since there have been no new books in four years. Did the author paint himself into a corner?
The book did grab me as I stayed up until 2am to finish it. Never a good idea as I can barely function with just four hours of sleep.
The book did grab me as I stayed up until 2am to finish it. Never a good idea as I can barely function with just four hours of sleep.
September 27, 2017
This was a really good book.
However I noticed discrepancies with the backstory/history and an event in a prior book.
First details about how Dixie's father lost his life. Second is the reference to Ethan's apartment, his sloppiness factor and that Dixie had never been there. Maybe Ethan moved but that seems rather unlikely to me.
However, this will not prevent me from reading future Dixie books.
However I noticed discrepancies with the backstory/history and an event in a prior book.
First details about how Dixie's father lost his life. Second is the reference to Ethan's apartment, his sloppiness factor and that Dixie had never been there. Maybe Ethan moved but that seems rather unlikely to me.
However, this will not prevent me from reading future Dixie books.
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