Arsenic and Young Lacy

Marcia Banks and Buddy Mysteries #2

by Kassandra Lamb

Sweet, adorable Lacy has stolen Marcia Banks’ heart, but money is tight. Like it or not, the service dog trainer needs to complete the human phase of the training and deliver the dog to her new owner in order to get paid. But the ex-Army nurse client turns out to be a challenging trainee. On top of her existing neuroses–which go beyond the psychological damage from a sexual assault during her second tour in Afghanistan–the veteran is now being stalked.

When Marcia receives a bizarre warning to stay away from her client and Lacy is also caught in the stalker’s malicious orbit, Sheriff Will Haines steps in to investigate. Marcia finds this both endearing and annoying, especially when he expects her to stay on the sidelines. The training fee would make her solvent again, but how can she put her dogs at risk?

Maybe Marcia should be more worried about herself, since the stalker has decided to pay her off in a very different way.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Romance

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2016

About the author

Psychology and writing (or writing and psychology) have always vied for the number one spot on my list of greatest passions. I am now a retired psychotherapist and can afford to spend as much time as I want on my writing.

I am in Heaven! (Well, actually I live in Florida now.)

Some people have asked me if my protagonist, psychotherapist Kate Huntington, is me. I wish! She's much more consistently kind and compassionate than I am.

I was born and raised in Maryland and lived there most of my adult life. In addition to my psychotherapy practice, I also taught at Towson University for a decade. It was my favorite job of my entire lifetime, so I decided to base my first series, the Kate Huntington mysteries, in Towson, Maryland. My newer series, about a service dog trainer, is set in central Florida near where I live now, the Marcia Banks and Buddy cozy mysteries.

I blog about psychological topics, or anything else that strikes my fancy, about twice a month at www.misteriopress.com.

Reviews

[Barbara Monajem · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting addition to this mystery series -- plenty of action, a growing romance, and as a bonus, lots of interesting snippets about dog training.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia Banks is training young Lacy for the dog's
placement program with a veteran who has PTSD
having been sexually assaulted in the service. But
things are not as they appear...besides her
psychological problems, the vet is being stalked
and harassed. Because of Marcia's involvement
with the vet, she is now in danger.
Mystery, thrills, chills, stalking, arson, a shooting
make for a fast paced, engaging plot. Add many
twists and turns plus some romance for an intriguing
read.
Learning more details regarding foods that dogs can
or cannot eat plus service dog reactions to other
people and animals was enlightening.
I volunteered to read this eBook. Thanks to the
author for the eBook. My opinion is my own.

[Linda Obermoeller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this series about Marcia Banks and her rescue crew. The stories are fairly interesting and I would consider them "light reading". The plots are not complicated but can have some twists. The parts that interest me the most are the service dog training sessions and all that goes into preparing a dog to be a service animal. It is hard work and I am pleased that the author is delving into the pros and cons of the emotions involved. I will read more of this series.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember young Lacy from To Kill a Labrador that Marcia was training to go for help (the Lassie thing)? Well now Marcia is working with Lacy's handler, but there are complications. This is another one of those set aside a day books (8 hours reading time) with ups and downs, but well worth the time investment.

[susan A Osman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, as are all of Kassandra's books,was captivating, interesting and humorous. I have now read 4 of hers, I believe. I am a dog lover, plus some other topics that she's included, so I really get into her books. Reading about Kassandra, the author, I find similarities between us. I have always loved dogs also and writing. I was a nurse, but I was also interested in psychology. I have always wanted to write, I just never knew where to start! So I have several books stored in my head. Until then, I write very long letters to my friends.........and TEXTS, which I get grumbles about. Oh well. Read one of Kassandras "Marcia Banks and Buddy mysteries" and I believe that you too will be hooked. Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

she trains dogs for ptsd vets. her boyfriend is a cop in the next city. this one she is training for a lady with a stalker who comes after her too!

the ptsd lady was living with her sister who did not want her to get a dog. her 'sister' turned out to be her mother who was the stalker. she also committed arson to the motel next door.

her and the cop got closer, but he wants to get married and have kids. she does not want kids. they are working on it.

the ptsd lady married the guy her mom shot.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another that I was so hooked I had to stay up all night to finish. I love the stories about the dog training and it's so nice to "meet" and spend time with each of them. Marcia does a great job of caring for her dogs and then passing them along to the vets and I'm not sure I could ever detach myself. I love how her neighbors watch out for her and her fun caring friend Becky is a great addition. Love the slow growing relationship with Will. Great mystery with a stalker who could be anywhere and strike at any time. I thought I knew who it was but went back and forth in my mind so great twists.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good suspense. I guessed the right person, but not their true identity. One thread left hanging: whatever happened to…Collins, was it? The Army guy who assaulted Rainy? I was a little confused about where everyone was in the garage scene, but that’s minor. (How was Buddy facing the house door to warn Marcia, when they came in thru the outside door? His rear-guard position is to face the opposite direction she’s facing.) I also didn’t understand what the perpetrator had against Lacy. But I liked it enough to read the next one. Or rather, listen to. Good reader on this audiobook.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doggone Great!

I have already read two of Ms. Lamb’s books! Arsenic and Young Lacy is the second. I love dogs and books about people who work with dogs. I also love a good mystery and a complex romance. This book has all of these components, plus it held my attention so thoroughly that I stayed up until the wee hours finishing it.. just now, actually! I will read the third book starting tomorrow. Gotta love E-readers! It is late so I will close. Happy Reading!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia trains Lacy for Rainey

Marcia trains dogs for veterans from war who have PTSD. The dogs give the veteran their life back in the community. Marcia met Will, a sheriff from another county and they start to date. Buddy is Marcia’s dog that she is buying from the agency she works for. There are lots of twists and turns and an exciting ending. Really enjoy these books! On to #3!!!!

[Shayna Traveler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kassandra Lamb

I loved this book. My nose has been glued to it from 9pm - 2:30am and finishing up today. I'm a huge lover of stories about service and rescue dogs. Kassandra pulls you right in as if your right there.

When lacy was poisoned I was so angry as if I was right there. I wanted to take a bat and beat on the offender.

Just love her writing and am now going to Amazon and download another.

[Skadams9038 Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

We all have learning to do in life. To get through what life puts in our path without loosing sight of parts of our self. We fear being responsible for the next generation... And forget love also comes with the next generation ... If we stop worrying so much about it. Open you mind and heart and let life have a chance . Remember to accept what life gives and forgive what it doesn't. Good read.

[Andrea Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia Banks has a love for dogs and is a service dog trainer. Marcia's new client is an ex-army nurse with psychological damage from a sexual assault during her second tour in Afghanistan and now she is being stalked making it hard to train the service dog for this woman. I really enjoyed Marcia's love for the dogs and finding out everything can do to help this woman even putting herself in danger.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Marcia Banks and Buddy Mysteries. In this book Marcia is training a service dog, Lacy, for veteran Rainey Bryant, who suffers from PTSD. Marcia gets caught up in Rayney's drama and really wants to be sure it will be safe to leave Lacy with her. This is a fun read with a little romance and mystery mixed in. I look forward to more of this series.

[Pam Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dog stories are among the best

Not just the dog(s) but the setting, plot, and human characters are important as well. The second book in the Marcia and Buddy series loves up to expectations. Police, service dogs, a little romance and twists in the plot all equal a satisfying read. In to the next!

[Gene Archdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 👍book

This is a great book with a ending you may not be ready for.
Marcia is a dog trainer for Vets. She gets caught up in her Clients problem s. And her boyfriend the Sheriff from another country comes to the rescue. This is the second book in this series. A must read.

[Carolann Hiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Awesomeness

Scary adventures around service dog training. Marcia and Buddy are delightful partners. Marcia trains service dogs and Buddy is her delightful just plain dog. What's not to love?

[Liz Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow talk about a story that keeps you guessing all the way to the end. This story as mystery and who is the bad guy all the way through or how many bad guys there really is. I really love the story of you Lacy. Warning this story is about sexual assault as well as PTSD.

[Bruce Retallack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find this book quite as strong as the first in the series, and I felt there were too many overlooked clues and suspicious behavior to make the grand reveal a) a surprise, and b) believable. Still a fun read.

[Carol Carmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story or Marcia, the service dog trainer, and her dog Buddy.

[Blake Borate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Of you like repetitive, boring, and predictable then this book is for you.

[Barb Taub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kasandra Lamb has provided another entertaining read for the second book in her series about struggling service dog trainer Marcia Banks and her beloved canine sidekick, Buddy.

As with any foster care situation, it’s often impossible to provide the affection and guidance your young charges need without becoming emotionally involved yourself. Marcia has fallen in love with beautiful young Lacy, one of the service dogs she’s training. At the same time, she’s both sympathetic to and suspicious of her new client, former military nurse (and sexual assault victim) Rainey Bryant.

In addition to her obvious and complex emotional problems, Rainey also appears to be the victim of a stalker. Is it her assailant from military days, angry that Rainey’s accusations cut short his military career? Is it her former boyfriend or even her self-centered best friend? And what secrets is her sister hiding in the house they share?

In the best amateur sleuth tradition, this character-driven tale takes Marcia into the path of danger. One of the requirements of the amateur detective genre is a strong connection to the police—in this case, Marcia’s boyfriend Will, a local sheriff.

[QUOTE:] He gestured toward me. ‘This the girlfriend you been telling me about, who keeps getting herself in trouble?’ Will looked up at him, then turned his gaze to me. His eyes softened and his mouth quirked up on one end. ‘Afraid so.’ [END QUOTE]

But both Marcia and Will have too much baggage for the course of true love to go smoothly or even allow them to communicate about where the difficulties lie. At the same time, Rainey’s fragile emotional and mental state interferes with her training process with Lacy. And as if that isn’t enough, there is a real and physical danger from Rainey’s stalker which turns deadly when first Marcia’s dog and then her friend are poisoned.

In the best amateur sleuth tradition, Marcia decides it’s up to her to protect her dogs and her client (decidedly, in that order!) by investigating the crimes herself. This is set against her developing relationship with Will, stalled now partly because Sheriff Will's department is understaffed, but mostly because of the inability on both sides to communicate, and the need both have to guard against being hurt again.

The only thing that I wish had gone differently was some foreshadowing and red herrings that failed to hide the fairly obvious villain. One problem with a cozy detective story as opposed to a police procedural, is that the murderer pretty much has to be someone involved in the story, with clues shared fairly (along with red herrings). And if there are relatively few characters, it makes it easier to guess the killer’s identity too early in the story.

Author Kassandra Lamb handles these issues with humor and a light touch. There are well-rounded supporting characters so necessary to any series, and a nice sense of life in a small Florida town. “She’d caught me, one time early on, eyeing her unusual garb and had cackled. ‘Honey, this is Florida, land of wear whatever ya darn well please.'”

And amateur detective Marcia also has a sense of humor about her attempts to play detective. “I silently cursed TV shows and mystery novels that taught people how to commit crimes more effectively.”

But despite the emotional roadblocks—for both Marcia and Rainey—we do get to see characters and relationships develop over the course of the story. And even more fun for me as reader, we get to find out more about the surprisingly fascinating process of teaching dogs to become the companions that let an emotionally or physically challenged person function in the real world. For example, I had no idea that dogs learn not only from their trainers, but from observing other dogs as well. Kassandra Lamb is absolutely brilliant about the way she showcases the growth of the book’s real stars—the ones with paws and a tail.

**I received this book for free from the publisher or author in order to provide an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

[Julesy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia has completed training her latest service dog Lacy. She is ready to deliver Lacy to her client Rainy, a former army nurse who suffers from traumatic symptoms after being sexually assaulted during her second tour in Afghanistan. Rainy is being stalked and the stalker decides to also stalk Marcia, putting Lacy in jeopardy. Together Marcia and her sheriff boyfriend Will are determined to find the stalker. I love the chills this story gave me. I also enjoy the theme of service dogs and former military in need of service dogs.

Story: 5 stars
Narrator: 5 stars

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn't the cover of this book great?! The second book in this series is just as wonderful as the first. Marcia Banks is busy training dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD. Soon Marcia is embroiled in the "drama" surrounding the life of the prospective human meant for the adorable Lacy. I was totally caught up in the twists and turns of the story. And interested in learning how each dog is matched/trained with their new person. The secondary characters in the story - the people the inhabit Marcia's world - are back, too. And, of course, Buddy (the black lab that was the star of the first book) is also a part of this tale. I love the "after words" shared by the author at the end of the boo. I look forward to the next book in the series! In the meantime, I know there will be a new book in the other (Kate) series by this author. Do yourself a favor and start reading the books by Kass Lamb. DISCLAIMER: I was provided a ARC copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the title and cover of this book as soon as I saw it. Then you start reading and love it even more! It's a real page turner and I couldn't wait to pick it up again. A good book to give you a reason to read until the wee hours of the morning.

Kassandra Lamb has another great series going, with this being book #2. Not only do you get a great mystery with this book, there's a bit of romance, some suspense, and you'll learn about PTSD and how service dogs are trained to help their owners.

Whenever I thought I knew who the villain was in the book, the author would throw some more twists and turns to the story that made me doubt myself! That always adds more intrigue to a story and I'm already looking forward to book #3 and more of Marcia's adventures.

This was a good mystery I would highly recommend!

* I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kassandra does a great job of presenting another mystery while training another service dog for a veteran. Somebody is stalking the veteran, and in turn, Marcia. Marcia has to train the dog, get the veteran trained to work with the dog and solve the mystery all at the same time. The story flows smoothly from the opening scene to the closing scene. Looking forward to the next adventures.

[Kathy OConnorcooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story held my interest throughout. One cares about the characters. Although I had figured out the culprit within the first few chapters,I was completely surprised at the end. Kassandra has a way of keeping the story exciting and compelling, even if you think you've figured out the mystery. I received the book free in exchange for an honest review. Excellent read.

[Pernette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kassandra Lamb's Arsenic and Young Lacy is another hit. This book is relevant to our times. It deals with military issues such as sexual harassment and PTSD and also stalking. With just the right twist of psychological thriller I found this Marcia Banks and Buddy mystery a fun and informing read.

[CANDACE KAERCHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed!

I love dog stories, this book was especially good.
Ready to read more by this author. Good story and plot.