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Barkery & Biscuits Mystery #3
Bad to the Bone
Veterinary technician Carrie Kennersly, owner of the Barkery & Biscuits bakery for dogs, is reluctant to sell her recipes to pet food manufacturer VimPets. Jack Loroco, a VimPets representative, assures Carrie that it would be a great opportunity to grow her business. His promising new relationship with Carrie's friend, Billi Matlock, doesn't hurt his cause. But the budding romance takes a bad turn when Wanda Addler, another VimPets employee, sets her sights on Jack.
After threatening to ruin Jack's career if he doesn't give her what she wants, Wanda is found dead. Jack and Billi are put at the top of the suspect list, and Carrie is doggone determined to rescue them from a life behind bars.
After threatening to ruin Jack's career if he doesn't give her what she wants, Wanda is found dead. Jack and Billi are put at the top of the suspect list, and Carrie is doggone determined to rescue them from a life behind bars.
281 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2017
8 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Linda O. Johnston
132 books464 followersLinda O. Johnston's first published fiction appeared in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and won the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for Best First Mystery Short Story of the Year. Since then, Linda has had more short stories and novellas published, plus, by the end of 2018, she will have had fifty novels published, including mysteries and romance.
Linda currently writes the Barkery and Biscuits Mysteries cozy mystery series for Midnight Ink, and also wrote the Superstition Mysteries for them, both featuring dogs. She has also written the Pet Rescue Mystery series for Berkley Prime Crime, which was a spinoff from her Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery series. And yes, they involved dogs, too.
Linda also writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, including a new miniseries about a K-9 ranch where dogs are trained. Linda additionally writes paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne including the Alpha Force miniseries about a covert military unit of shapeshifters--and all the werewolves also have cover dogs.
Linda, a currently inactive transactional attorney, now writes fiction full-time. She is a member of the Los Angeles chapters of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America, including the Los Angeles, Orange County and Santa Clarita chapters.
Linda currently writes the Barkery and Biscuits Mysteries cozy mystery series for Midnight Ink, and also wrote the Superstition Mysteries for them, both featuring dogs. She has also written the Pet Rescue Mystery series for Berkley Prime Crime, which was a spinoff from her Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery series. And yes, they involved dogs, too.
Linda also writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, including a new miniseries about a K-9 ranch where dogs are trained. Linda additionally writes paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne including the Alpha Force miniseries about a covert military unit of shapeshifters--and all the werewolves also have cover dogs.
Linda, a currently inactive transactional attorney, now writes fiction full-time. She is a member of the Los Angeles chapters of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America, including the Los Angeles, Orange County and Santa Clarita chapters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 18, 2017
A cozy mystery, the third in the Barkery and Biscuits series. I was disappointed in this book. All the action was off the pages. Most of the book was a repeat of telling Carrie not to investigate and to be careful, if she did. The were repeat descriptions of Carrie 'shops and activities as a Vet Tech. Little mention of the murder and really no clues as to how the killer was identified.
Jack Loroco is still trying to get a pet food recipe for VimPets. Jack introduces Carrie Kennersley to a co-worker Wanda Addler. The latter immediately tried to put down Jack. Wanda is later found dead. Carrie is torn about investigating as while the main suspects are friends, she doesn't want to get involved. The ending will surprise.
Two recipes are included.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Midnight Ink through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Jack Loroco is still trying to get a pet food recipe for VimPets. Jack introduces Carrie Kennersley to a co-worker Wanda Addler. The latter immediately tried to put down Jack. Wanda is later found dead. Carrie is torn about investigating as while the main suspects are friends, she doesn't want to get involved. The ending will surprise.
Two recipes are included.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Midnight Ink through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 11, 2016
This is an entertaining story that is sure to delight cozy mystery fans.
The author brings pets and owners together in this cozy mystery series.
When Carrie, a local business owner, considers creating and selling dog treat recipes to a local pet food manufacturing company, she has no idea that jealousy and envy will lead to a murder.
With her friends in the hot seat, Carrie begins investigating on her own.
I was shocked at the ending, I was really stunned by the turn of events.
Be sure to add this book to your holiday wish list!
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
The author brings pets and owners together in this cozy mystery series.
When Carrie, a local business owner, considers creating and selling dog treat recipes to a local pet food manufacturing company, she has no idea that jealousy and envy will lead to a murder.
With her friends in the hot seat, Carrie begins investigating on her own.
I was shocked at the ending, I was really stunned by the turn of events.
Be sure to add this book to your holiday wish list!
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
May 21, 2017
Business and Pleasure are going to the dogs, and not in a good way. Carrie Kennersly is back in her bakery and cooking up a fine mystery for readers! Having become a fan of Linda’s in the past year, I was delighted to read this book.
Carrie is such a fun character and I love her passion for animals. In fact, if there was ever a book that certainly has the best intentions for the animals in it, this book does. Jack sounds like a shady character and trust me the alarms sounds off. I find the fact that his corporation could help the charming bakery to be comical. Which leads to my favorite part of the book.
The love triangle, boy does Linda write this well. I really loved the passion and heat with disagreements and then of course the murder, not saying a victim deserves to die, but this was certainly one of the best written this year. I also loved that Carrie felt as though she should rescue both Billi and Jack, not just one. That speaks a lot about the character that is our delightful sleuth.
Overall, Linda hit this one out of the park. It was delightfully catty in some spots, and Carrie was the perfect sleuth in this case. I look forward to my next trip to this bakery and mystery series!
Carrie is such a fun character and I love her passion for animals. In fact, if there was ever a book that certainly has the best intentions for the animals in it, this book does. Jack sounds like a shady character and trust me the alarms sounds off. I find the fact that his corporation could help the charming bakery to be comical. Which leads to my favorite part of the book.
The love triangle, boy does Linda write this well. I really loved the passion and heat with disagreements and then of course the murder, not saying a victim deserves to die, but this was certainly one of the best written this year. I also loved that Carrie felt as though she should rescue both Billi and Jack, not just one. That speaks a lot about the character that is our delightful sleuth.
Overall, Linda hit this one out of the park. It was delightfully catty in some spots, and Carrie was the perfect sleuth in this case. I look forward to my next trip to this bakery and mystery series!
May 24, 2017
After pondering this book for a few days, I've had to change my rating but don't worry, that doesn't mean that it's not an enjoyable read and it's still a cozy series I will continue to follow. In "Bad to the Bone," Carrie is still being courted by VimPet, an elite pet food manufacturer, to share some of her healthy recipes which will not only help her pay off her business loan sooner, but which will also provide added publicity for her newly opened "barkery." However, the deal is quickly put on hold because one of the execs, who happens to be a mean and manipulative woman no one really likes, turns up dead. Fortunately for Carrie, she isn't a prime suspect in this murder but two of her friends are so once again, she gets right in the middle of her third murder investigation.
I still enjoy the small town setting and many of the characters in this series. I can also say that Carrie no longer seems to be the "man magnet" I mentioned in my review of the first book and her love life has settled down some. That alone was cause for relief on my part because I hate love triangles (or maybe square was the more appropriate analogy). Carrie's dog Biscuit is still a prominent fixture in the book as is Hugo, her boyfriend's dog which is always a plus. However, I'm still having difficulty with the way this book is written. It's told from Carrie's first person perspective and perhaps because of that, I find some of Carrie's thoughts annoying. For example, she keeps wanting to give her employees a raise, which is totally commendable and understandable, but this thought keeps entering her mind and often at times when I feel she should be focusing on other things. It really is hard to explain but if you look at my reviews of the other two books, you might get a clearer idea of the writing style I find problematic. Also, I was able to deduce the identity of the killer early on in the book and while that normally doesn't bother me, I felt it was such a no-brainer that I just wanted everyone else to catch up so it could be over.
I'm sure I'll continue on with this series which I still consider a cute read. However, I didn't feel this installment was as strong as the other two which is why I bumped the rating down to 3/5.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I still enjoy the small town setting and many of the characters in this series. I can also say that Carrie no longer seems to be the "man magnet" I mentioned in my review of the first book and her love life has settled down some. That alone was cause for relief on my part because I hate love triangles (or maybe square was the more appropriate analogy). Carrie's dog Biscuit is still a prominent fixture in the book as is Hugo, her boyfriend's dog which is always a plus. However, I'm still having difficulty with the way this book is written. It's told from Carrie's first person perspective and perhaps because of that, I find some of Carrie's thoughts annoying. For example, she keeps wanting to give her employees a raise, which is totally commendable and understandable, but this thought keeps entering her mind and often at times when I feel she should be focusing on other things. It really is hard to explain but if you look at my reviews of the other two books, you might get a clearer idea of the writing style I find problematic. Also, I was able to deduce the identity of the killer early on in the book and while that normally doesn't bother me, I felt it was such a no-brainer that I just wanted everyone else to catch up so it could be over.
I'm sure I'll continue on with this series which I still consider a cute read. However, I didn't feel this installment was as strong as the other two which is why I bumped the rating down to 3/5.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2018
This is the third book in the barkery and biscuits series. Carrie Kennersly owns a bakery for both people and dogs. She is contemplating selling some of her pet food recipes to a company called VimPets. But when one of the representatives that she is meeting with is discovered dead behind her coworkers apartment building after the two had gotten into a huge fight the night before, the police zero in on him. Carrie goes back and forth on whether or not to investigate, since the main suspect is dating her friend Billi. Ultimately she decides to look into things and to try to catch a killer.
I have to say I didn't love this book. It was okay but not something that I would read again. The mystery wasn't really well done. When i found out who the killer was i had to go back to find out who that character even was, because I didn't remember them. I felt like I missed part of the book. I don't know if I would continue with this series
I have to say I didn't love this book. It was okay but not something that I would read again. The mystery wasn't really well done. When i found out who the killer was i had to go back to find out who that character even was, because I didn't remember them. I felt like I missed part of the book. I don't know if I would continue with this series
February 16, 2017
This is a solid mystery story that will have appeal to pet-lovers. Carrie Kennersly, the protagonist of this book, is no stranger to being involved in murders. She is a busy, busy girl - working part time as a Veterinary technician, running her own businesses - bakeries for people and pets and developing a romantic attachment to one very good looking vet. In the midst of all this she becomes involved in solving the murder of one highly unlikable Wanda Addler, employee of VimPets, a company looking to buy some of Carrie's healthy pet recipes.
This story is told from Carrie's point of view and is the third one in the series. She is a very appealing character though there are moments when we are told a little too much about what she is eating, drinking or thinking. There are a range of interesting characters who obviously appeared as well in the earlier books so Carrie's world is very well shaped.
I enjoyed working through the crime with Carrie because you were definitely taken along for the ride. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read Linda O Johnston - I will be looking up the previous stories to see where it all began.
This story is told from Carrie's point of view and is the third one in the series. She is a very appealing character though there are moments when we are told a little too much about what she is eating, drinking or thinking. There are a range of interesting characters who obviously appeared as well in the earlier books so Carrie's world is very well shaped.
I enjoyed working through the crime with Carrie because you were definitely taken along for the ride. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read Linda O Johnston - I will be looking up the previous stories to see where it all began.
May 9, 2017
Bad to the Bone by Linda O. Johnston is the third book in A Barkery and Biscuits Mystery series. Carrie Kennersly is the owner of Barkery and Biscuits a bakery that caters to canine clientele in Knobcone Heights, California. She also owns Icing on the Cake in the adjoining space that has delectable delights for humans. Carrie creates her own recipes so she can offer healthy treats for dogs. Jack Loroco, a rep for VimPets (a pet food manufacturer), has been trying to get Carrie to sell one of two of her unique recipes to VimPets. Carrie knows this would provide good promotion for Bakery and Biscuits, but she is reluctant to sell. Jack who is dating Billi Matlock, friend of Carrie’s and city councilwoman, has return to town and invited Carrie and friends to dinner. Jack brings an additional guest to dinner. Wanda Addler works at VimPets with Jack, and she is very ambitious. Wanda has set her sights on Jack’s job, and she will do whatever it takes to achieve her goal. Early one morning Carrie receives a call from Jack. He was out walking his dog when they discovered Wanda stabbed behind his apartment building. Jack and Billi end up prime suspects in Wanda’s murder. Carrie knows that neither of them would harm a person, and she starts exploring other suspects. Once Carrie starts her investigation, she is like a dog with a bone—she does not give up.
Bad to the Bone is easy to read, and I like the various dogs in the story. Each person in the story seems to own a dog (I am not exaggerating). Bad to the Bone is the third book in A Barkery and Biscuits Mystery series, but it can be read alone. You would not be lost if you started with Bad to the Bone. I give Bad to the Bone 3 out of 5 stars. The murder mystery is straightforward. I wish, though, that more of the sleuthing had taken place in the book instead of the reader’s being told about it at the reveal. I wanted more mystery in this cozy mystery (instead of food descriptions). You must pay sharp attention to find the clues, but I thought the killer’s identity was obvious. I did love the unique murder weapon. It goes perfectly with the story. I did get tired of people constantly telling Carrie to stay out of the murder investigation (and to be careful if she did not listen). It was repeated over and over. The story focuses more on Carrie’s shops, her work as a vet tech, her love life, friends, and the pets. A significant amount of time is spent on Carrie thinking and her internal questions (book written in the first person with Carrie as narrator). I wish there had been more focus on the mystery than on Carrie’s life. Bad to the Bone is an easy breezy type of story (light and fluffy). I felt it lacked substance and depth. There are two recipes at the end of the book (one for humans and one for dogs). I kept hoping that the series would improve, but, for me, it has not. I will be skipping future books in A Bakery and Biscuits Mystery series.
Bad to the Bone is easy to read, and I like the various dogs in the story. Each person in the story seems to own a dog (I am not exaggerating). Bad to the Bone is the third book in A Barkery and Biscuits Mystery series, but it can be read alone. You would not be lost if you started with Bad to the Bone. I give Bad to the Bone 3 out of 5 stars. The murder mystery is straightforward. I wish, though, that more of the sleuthing had taken place in the book instead of the reader’s being told about it at the reveal. I wanted more mystery in this cozy mystery (instead of food descriptions). You must pay sharp attention to find the clues, but I thought the killer’s identity was obvious. I did love the unique murder weapon. It goes perfectly with the story. I did get tired of people constantly telling Carrie to stay out of the murder investigation (and to be careful if she did not listen). It was repeated over and over. The story focuses more on Carrie’s shops, her work as a vet tech, her love life, friends, and the pets. A significant amount of time is spent on Carrie thinking and her internal questions (book written in the first person with Carrie as narrator). I wish there had been more focus on the mystery than on Carrie’s life. Bad to the Bone is an easy breezy type of story (light and fluffy). I felt it lacked substance and depth. There are two recipes at the end of the book (one for humans and one for dogs). I kept hoping that the series would improve, but, for me, it has not. I will be skipping future books in A Bakery and Biscuits Mystery series.
May 8, 2017
It was a delight to be able to read an early copy of BAD TO THE BONE, by Linda O. Johnston! The protagonist, Carrie Kennersley, is not only a vet technician but also owns a charming bakery, Barkery & Biscuits…actually 2 bakeries on the same premises: one for humans and one for pets. You’ll be drooling over the delightful treats Carrie and her employees bake and it’s probably a good thing your furry friends can’t read because they’d be begging for some special treats as well!
Word has gotten out about Carrie’s special pet treats and a large pet food manufacturer, VimPets, is interested in buying some of her recipes. When one of the obnoxious sales reps for VimPets is found murdered, (with a pooper-scooper no less!) two of Carrie’s friends are suspects. One of them begs her to clear his name only she’s not so sure of his innocence. A large number of her friends, along with her brother, beg her to not get involved in the murder investigation this time but Carrie just can’t seem to help herself.
The premise of this storyline is cute. I loved all the pets and their owners who frequent Barkery & Biscuits and Carrie has endeared herself to the townspeople. The author brings to the forefront the need for people to adopt rescue animals and the plight that can befall these unfortunate creatures. The location is in the mountains of Southern California, close to where I live, so I could completely envision the descriptions of the town and its surrounding areas…making me feel at home. Carrie’s romance with veterinarian, Reed, is progressing and is very sweet. I like seeing growth in characters in series, and the author provides that both with the main protagonist and with the close characters surrounding her. The reader will get a good feel for what it takes to run two bakeries and still work part time at the vet’s office. Carrie doesn’t shirk her duties yet manages to find the time to ask questions and try to find out who the murderer is. The grand finale caught me by surprise and wrapped up the plot and subplots in a satisfactory manner.
Thankfully after you’ve finished drooling on the pages, Linda has provided a recipe for your dog along with a recipe for yourself. I tried her recipe for Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies for People...and they were so yummy! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. In my opinion, pumpkin flavors aren't just for autumn but, like these cookies, are a delicious treat to be enjoyed year round.
I received an advanced copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Word has gotten out about Carrie’s special pet treats and a large pet food manufacturer, VimPets, is interested in buying some of her recipes. When one of the obnoxious sales reps for VimPets is found murdered, (with a pooper-scooper no less!) two of Carrie’s friends are suspects. One of them begs her to clear his name only she’s not so sure of his innocence. A large number of her friends, along with her brother, beg her to not get involved in the murder investigation this time but Carrie just can’t seem to help herself.
The premise of this storyline is cute. I loved all the pets and their owners who frequent Barkery & Biscuits and Carrie has endeared herself to the townspeople. The author brings to the forefront the need for people to adopt rescue animals and the plight that can befall these unfortunate creatures. The location is in the mountains of Southern California, close to where I live, so I could completely envision the descriptions of the town and its surrounding areas…making me feel at home. Carrie’s romance with veterinarian, Reed, is progressing and is very sweet. I like seeing growth in characters in series, and the author provides that both with the main protagonist and with the close characters surrounding her. The reader will get a good feel for what it takes to run two bakeries and still work part time at the vet’s office. Carrie doesn’t shirk her duties yet manages to find the time to ask questions and try to find out who the murderer is. The grand finale caught me by surprise and wrapped up the plot and subplots in a satisfactory manner.
Thankfully after you’ve finished drooling on the pages, Linda has provided a recipe for your dog along with a recipe for yourself. I tried her recipe for Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies for People...and they were so yummy! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. In my opinion, pumpkin flavors aren't just for autumn but, like these cookies, are a delicious treat to be enjoyed year round.
I received an advanced copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 30, 2017
*I voluntarily reviewed this ARC**
This was an interesting book, but it dragged a little at times. The mystery itself was good, with an ending that seriously shocked me.
This was an interesting book, but it dragged a little at times. The mystery itself was good, with an ending that seriously shocked me.
June 15, 2023
A lot of repetition. A little boring. Ending would have been more shocking if I hadn’t guessed on my own.
May 8, 2017
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May 9, 2017
Carries is the owner of a bakery and another bakery that caters to animals. Barkery and Biscuits is doing a great business and it is all due to Carrie and her staff coming up with healthy food for dogs and cats. She even comes up with food to help with health issues. That draws the attention of a large company, VimPets. They have been trying to get her to sell them her recipes of pet treats. When Jack comes to town, he brings an assistant that is a bit too pushy and self centered as far as other people are concerned. Then she is killed. Now just about everyone in the "business" is a suspect, including Councilwoman Billi. The biggest problem is her body was found behind Jack's apartment. Can Carrie clear Jack's name and figure out who is responsible? The answer will surprise you! I received a copy of this book from Net Galley. The review is voluntary and my own opinions.
April 17, 2017
Up until now I have enjoyed all the previous books in the series but this one both dragged in the middle and the ending felt very rushed to me.
Carrie's business is going very well, along with her budding romance with the local vet. She is considering whether to sell a recipe or two to VimPets when a rising employee within that company is found dead. Her friend Billi and co-worker to the murder victim, Jack are both suspects. Though everyone in town it seems had a reason to kill. At least this time Carrie isn't a suspect. Carrie is warned to stay out of it and to be careful, but she will do what she can to clear her friend.
The book started off very well, but then it started dragging for me. It seemed all Carrie did was eat and drink at the resort. The ending was unexpected and felt very rushed. All of a sudden the murderer was revealed and it was over with. There wasn't really a climax building up to it.
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
Carrie's business is going very well, along with her budding romance with the local vet. She is considering whether to sell a recipe or two to VimPets when a rising employee within that company is found dead. Her friend Billi and co-worker to the murder victim, Jack are both suspects. Though everyone in town it seems had a reason to kill. At least this time Carrie isn't a suspect. Carrie is warned to stay out of it and to be careful, but she will do what she can to clear her friend.
The book started off very well, but then it started dragging for me. It seemed all Carrie did was eat and drink at the resort. The ending was unexpected and felt very rushed. All of a sudden the murderer was revealed and it was over with. There wasn't really a climax building up to it.
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 21, 2017
Carrie is working on deciding what recipes she will sell to VimPets and whether she will at all. She gets invited to dinner by Jack the representative for VimPets so Carrie brings her boyfriend Reed, her brother Neal his girlfriend Janelle, and Jack's love interest Billi Matlock a local council member. Jack's plan for dinner was to introduce them to Wanda Addler who managed to introduce herself to everyone and upsetting Billi Matlock in the process.
As the days pass Wanda goes around upsetting more than just Billi, She even goes so far to set up a dinner with Billi, Jack and Carrie to throw around some more threats and warnings to the trio. Before even 24 hours can pass Carrie hears from Jack that Wanda is dead. Who killed Wanda and why? Was it Billi or Jack or has Wanda really upset someone else and they issued their own justice! As we find out early on everyone seems to be warning Carrie not to get involved which seems to push Carrie more into finding out what is going on even more!
This book is so much fun visiting everyone and seeing what is going on in Knobcone Heights. Each person adds something to the story. Everything for the Dr's at the clinic to the people at the restaurant that Carrie and her friends frequent. This book really has everything a dog fan could hope for. Personally I think it would be great to have a Barkery around here somewhere you can bring your pet in to get a yummy treat for them.
Definitely kept me engaged until the mystery was solved which was great totally wasn't expecting who the murderer turned out to be or why. Definitely a paw above the rest if you haven't checked out this series you really are missing a barking series!
April 6, 2017
Ok, I gave the first two books in this series a modest like rating despite the faults I stated. Now I have to get tough. As a mystery series, cozy or not, there has to be a better developed mystery. Again, there's way too much time spent on what happens in the bakery/barkery and the meals Carrie has with people. Though, yes, the limited sleuthing is usually done at the meal or on the way to the meal. The killer always outs themself, there is no way to tell from the limited information we are given who the killer is. In this book, Carrie explains her reasoning and how she found out who the killer is to the detective OFF PAGE. This really steamed me. Again, the killer and their motive comes from nowhere.
Carrie also hasn't learned from her mistakes in the preceding two books and continued to let a group of people screw her over.
I'm giving up on this series, there are far too many better mystery/cozy mystery series out there. I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Carrie also hasn't learned from her mistakes in the preceding two books and continued to let a group of people screw her over.
I'm giving up on this series, there are far too many better mystery/cozy mystery series out there. I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2021
1.5 generously rounded to 2 stars - I did not like this book, nothing seemed to happen, except for people telling Carrie she shouldn't investigate, but since they knew she would anyway, to be careful. Lots of explanation about her bakery and barkery. On the plus side, it was a free audio book from Audible, and relatively short. I can't recommend this to anyone.
Book 196 of 2021
Book 196 of 2021
February 20, 2020
Although it started off as an interesting read, the main character then spent far too much time arguing with family and friends about whether she should investigate the murder or not, going backwards and forwards to her shops, going out to dinner, visiting though friends she was arguing with and so on and so on - in other words filling out the book because there was no plot.
I presume she did eventually start to look into the murder, but by that time I had lost interest and couldn't be bothered finishing the book.
I presume she did eventually start to look into the murder, but by that time I had lost interest and couldn't be bothered finishing the book.
May 29, 2021
I give myself kudos for making it through the first 4 books in the series. I did audiobooks, and found my mind drifting off so often it was hard to follow the story. Just not enough mystery, and too many grammatical errors to count. I listened to the beginning of Book 5, then stopped and called it done with the series. With all the good independent cozy writers out there, I’d put this one further down your list.
On a positive note, the characters and concept have promise, they just don’t get the love from the author needed to make these a compelling read.
On a positive note, the characters and concept have promise, they just don’t get the love from the author needed to make these a compelling read.
April 2, 2017
Linda O. Johnston writes great pet cozys and this is no exception. Part of the Barkery and Biscuits series we have a winner. Carrie is enjoying her relationship with Reed and running the two bakery's. PetVim is still trying to buy her recipes for mass production and when one of their sales reps is murdered she needs to solve the crime. Great mystery with plenty of suspects. Also some good doggie and people recipes.
January 29, 2020
This story made me exhausted! So many words spent on "should Carrie investigate this crime?" Just get on with it for crying out loud! No clues, no evidence collection, endless Cobb salads, I can't believe I read the whole thing!
May 27, 2017
Just looking at the title you have to know that this is a doggie cozy series. I'm a sucker for animal-centric series. This is book 3 in the series. I haven't read the first two, but that didn't cause me any problems. I will admit that reading this book made me want to go ahead and read the first books, because of the relationships that had developed already and the ones that formed and changed prior to the events in the book, especially the Jack and Carrie and then Jack and Billi thing.
I really liked Carrie she was a fun character and when a book is told from the first person, that character has to be fun. She is a typical cozy mystery heroine, but she's also one that cares about her job. (If you read cozies like I do, you know that a lot of these characters drop everything to solve the murder, that's not quite the case here). Carrie loves her bakery and barkery and her work at the vet clinic where her boyfriend Reed works as a vet.
The other thing that really feels different to me with this book, is how focused on the relationships Linda is. You quickly see how close Carrie is with Reed, even though they technically aren't totally committed, but there's a lot of dinner dates and some sex, though that is alluded to rather than shown, so anyone with delicate sensibilities won't be offended.
Another thing that I found unusual was the real lack of sleuthing that went on. The book was close to half over when Carrie started to look into Wanda's death. (Let me just say, Wanda is the character that most deserves to be offed in any cozy I've ever read) There was a lot of push for her to keep her nose out of things, which is expected, but the way the story was going it was pretty easy to believe that Carrie, might not investigate on her own
I liked that she wanted to find the killer because both suspects were friends, though she didn't rule them out.
I did want more from the mystery though, especially since there were so many people that had good reason to dislike the victim, including possibly a person from VimPets that Wanda, may or may not have been involved with, in her quest to get to the top. Speaking of VimPets, I really hope down the line, Carrie decides not to sell that company a recipe from her shop, I didn't get a good vibe from any of the execs we met in the story.
When the ending came around I was really surprised at who killed her, and a little bit let down. There were signs that something wasn't right with this character, but nothing that made you think, wow, they have a good reason to kill Wanda.
This was a cute mystery that will pass an afternoon easily.
I really liked Carrie she was a fun character and when a book is told from the first person, that character has to be fun. She is a typical cozy mystery heroine, but she's also one that cares about her job. (If you read cozies like I do, you know that a lot of these characters drop everything to solve the murder, that's not quite the case here). Carrie loves her bakery and barkery and her work at the vet clinic where her boyfriend Reed works as a vet.
The other thing that really feels different to me with this book, is how focused on the relationships Linda is. You quickly see how close Carrie is with Reed, even though they technically aren't totally committed, but there's a lot of dinner dates and some sex, though that is alluded to rather than shown, so anyone with delicate sensibilities won't be offended.
Another thing that I found unusual was the real lack of sleuthing that went on. The book was close to half over when Carrie started to look into Wanda's death. (Let me just say, Wanda is the character that most deserves to be offed in any cozy I've ever read) There was a lot of push for her to keep her nose out of things, which is expected, but the way the story was going it was pretty easy to believe that Carrie, might not investigate on her own
I liked that she wanted to find the killer because both suspects were friends, though she didn't rule them out.
I did want more from the mystery though, especially since there were so many people that had good reason to dislike the victim, including possibly a person from VimPets that Wanda, may or may not have been involved with, in her quest to get to the top. Speaking of VimPets, I really hope down the line, Carrie decides not to sell that company a recipe from her shop, I didn't get a good vibe from any of the execs we met in the story.
When the ending came around I was really surprised at who killed her, and a little bit let down. There were signs that something wasn't right with this character, but nothing that made you think, wow, they have a good reason to kill Wanda.
This was a cute mystery that will pass an afternoon easily.
February 20, 2025
Carrie Kennersly is living her best pet-friendly entrepreneur life—running her dual bakery for humans and their four-legged besties—when murder once again messes up the menu. VimPets, a big-name pet food company, wants her recipes, and while their charming rep, Jack Loroco, is all business, his very aggressive co-worker Wanda Addler is definitely looking for a fight. Then Wanda turns up very dead, and suddenly, Jack (and his brand-new girlfriend, Billi) are looking very guilty. Carrie may not be a detective, but she’s got a terrible habit of investigating, and let’s be real—this small town wouldn’t know what to do if she stopped.
This book delivers everything a cozy mystery should—gossip, business rivalries, romance, and enough small-town antics to keep the pages turning. Carrie is a fun lead, even if she gets told to stay out of police business at least three times per book (and ignores it every time). The mystery itself has some solid twists, and while some of the "investigation" leans more toward small-town drama than actual sleuthing, the mix of suspects and secrets keeps things moving. Plus, between baking, murder-solving, and dodging corporate takeovers, Carrie’s schedule is packed—which is exactly why she ignores all advice to stay out of it.
A solid 4 out of 5 stars! Bad to the Bone is book three in the Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series, but it works just fine as a standalone—though longtime fans will appreciate the slow-burn relationship threads and character growth. Whether you’re here for the mystery, the pet treats, or just to watch Carrie ignore every warning sign that she’s getting in too deep, this one is a cozy treat. Bonus: it comes with actual recipes, so you can whip up some snacks while contemplating why anyone ever commits murder in a town where everyone gets caught.
This book delivers everything a cozy mystery should—gossip, business rivalries, romance, and enough small-town antics to keep the pages turning. Carrie is a fun lead, even if she gets told to stay out of police business at least three times per book (and ignores it every time). The mystery itself has some solid twists, and while some of the "investigation" leans more toward small-town drama than actual sleuthing, the mix of suspects and secrets keeps things moving. Plus, between baking, murder-solving, and dodging corporate takeovers, Carrie’s schedule is packed—which is exactly why she ignores all advice to stay out of it.
A solid 4 out of 5 stars! Bad to the Bone is book three in the Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series, but it works just fine as a standalone—though longtime fans will appreciate the slow-burn relationship threads and character growth. Whether you’re here for the mystery, the pet treats, or just to watch Carrie ignore every warning sign that she’s getting in too deep, this one is a cozy treat. Bonus: it comes with actual recipes, so you can whip up some snacks while contemplating why anyone ever commits murder in a town where everyone gets caught.
December 22, 2016
Bad to the Bone is the third installment in the Barkery and Biscuits mystery series featuring Carrie Kennersly, owner of Icing on the Cake, a bakery for humans and the adjacent Barkery and Biscuits serving up organic pet treats in Knobcone Heights. Business is booming in both shops and Carrie is enjoying her new romance with Veterinarian Reed Storme.
Jack Loroco, the VimPets representative is actively trying to get Carrie to sell some of her organic pet recipes to his company. Jack has been spending a lot of time in Knobcone Heights and has become involved with City Councilman Billi Matlock, who also runs Mountaintop Rescue, the no kill animal shelter.
Jack has invited co-worker Wanda Addler on this trip to Knobcone to meet with Carrie and the first impression she makes is not a good one. It is soon apparent that Wanda wants to take all the credit for Jack's work and is trying to push him out of the company and seems to imply that she has a romantic relationship with Jack. It is really no surprise when Wanda is found dead outside of Jack's apartment and both Jack and Billi become the prime suspects in her murder.
Anxious to help her two friends Carrie sets out to find the real killer. With the help of her brother Neal and Detectives Wayne Crunoll and Bridget Morana, Carrie soon discovers there are a few people in town who have had unpleasant dealings with Wanda and that some of the prominent Knobcone citizens are harboring secrets.
A fast paced storyline with interesting characters. Adorable pets and delicious recipes add just the right touch to this cozy mystery.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Midnight Ink Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Jack Loroco, the VimPets representative is actively trying to get Carrie to sell some of her organic pet recipes to his company. Jack has been spending a lot of time in Knobcone Heights and has become involved with City Councilman Billi Matlock, who also runs Mountaintop Rescue, the no kill animal shelter.
Jack has invited co-worker Wanda Addler on this trip to Knobcone to meet with Carrie and the first impression she makes is not a good one. It is soon apparent that Wanda wants to take all the credit for Jack's work and is trying to push him out of the company and seems to imply that she has a romantic relationship with Jack. It is really no surprise when Wanda is found dead outside of Jack's apartment and both Jack and Billi become the prime suspects in her murder.
Anxious to help her two friends Carrie sets out to find the real killer. With the help of her brother Neal and Detectives Wayne Crunoll and Bridget Morana, Carrie soon discovers there are a few people in town who have had unpleasant dealings with Wanda and that some of the prominent Knobcone citizens are harboring secrets.
A fast paced storyline with interesting characters. Adorable pets and delicious recipes add just the right touch to this cozy mystery.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Midnight Ink Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
July 9, 2017
Title: Bad to the Bone - A Barkery & Biscuits Mystery Book 3
Author: Linda O. Johnson Publisher: Midnight Ink
Published: 5-8-2017
Pages: 290
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Animals; Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9780738746289
ASIN: B01M0SXJTR
Reviewed For NetGalley and Midnight Ink
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
Carrie Kennersly's sleuthing talents are put to the rest when her negotiations VimPets representative, Jack Loroco and rival representative Wanda Addler come to verbal blows. Jack is interested Billi Matlock, Carrie's friend and Wanda wants Jack's job for herself. Needless to say Wanda is found murdered and Jack and Billi are at the top of the suspect list. Carrie sniffs out every clue to find the real killer before, Jack or Billi or both find themselves serving time for the murder.
Carrie, the main protagonist along with her supporting cast are a lively group of well rounded personalities that bring reality to the story. The animals that visit Bad to the Bone and their owners will have you looking at your own pets more closely. The story line is thought out and has more than a touch of intrigue and humor. A wonderful, fun read.
My rating of "Bad to the Bone" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0SXJTR/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bad-...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Linda O. Johnson Publisher: Midnight Ink
Published: 5-8-2017
Pages: 290
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Animals; Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9780738746289
ASIN: B01M0SXJTR
Reviewed For NetGalley and Midnight Ink
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
Carrie Kennersly's sleuthing talents are put to the rest when her negotiations VimPets representative, Jack Loroco and rival representative Wanda Addler come to verbal blows. Jack is interested Billi Matlock, Carrie's friend and Wanda wants Jack's job for herself. Needless to say Wanda is found murdered and Jack and Billi are at the top of the suspect list. Carrie sniffs out every clue to find the real killer before, Jack or Billi or both find themselves serving time for the murder.
Carrie, the main protagonist along with her supporting cast are a lively group of well rounded personalities that bring reality to the story. The animals that visit Bad to the Bone and their owners will have you looking at your own pets more closely. The story line is thought out and has more than a touch of intrigue and humor. A wonderful, fun read.
My rating of "Bad to the Bone" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0SXJTR/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bad-...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
May 14, 2017
I have enjoyed reading this series. Carrie is a great character and I live the two shops she owns. What a treat for customers to get goodies for themselves and go next door and grab some great healthy treats for their dogs. The author makes the shops sound so inviting and I would love to try one out for my little dogs.
Carrie has been approached by a big company to add her treats to their line of products. It would be a great boost for her company but she is just a bit hesitant to say yes . I liked her brother Neal and her boyfriend Reed. They seemed to be protective of Carrie. If you have read the first two books in the series, you know Carrie seems to find herself embroiled in murder and "helping" the police catch the killer.
When one of the employees from the company that wants to carry Carrie's product is found dead, the book starts really delving into several people who could easily have killed the poor murder victim. I wasn't surprised that the woman killed was not well liked. She was pushy, mean and down right unfriendly. I really got a great laugh out of the murder weapon used. I though the author was genius using a poop scooper as a way to kill someone. Carrie can't seem to stay out of the investigation and soon finds herself with a list of suspects. I know there were hints throughout the book of who the killer was, but for some reason I was still a little surprised at who it was. The story was good and I'm glad we got to know more about Carrie and Reed's relationship. I wonder if there will be wedding bells soon for these two?
I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.
Carrie has been approached by a big company to add her treats to their line of products. It would be a great boost for her company but she is just a bit hesitant to say yes . I liked her brother Neal and her boyfriend Reed. They seemed to be protective of Carrie. If you have read the first two books in the series, you know Carrie seems to find herself embroiled in murder and "helping" the police catch the killer.
When one of the employees from the company that wants to carry Carrie's product is found dead, the book starts really delving into several people who could easily have killed the poor murder victim. I wasn't surprised that the woman killed was not well liked. She was pushy, mean and down right unfriendly. I really got a great laugh out of the murder weapon used. I though the author was genius using a poop scooper as a way to kill someone. Carrie can't seem to stay out of the investigation and soon finds herself with a list of suspects. I know there were hints throughout the book of who the killer was, but for some reason I was still a little surprised at who it was. The story was good and I'm glad we got to know more about Carrie and Reed's relationship. I wonder if there will be wedding bells soon for these two?
I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.
July 19, 2017
Part-time vet tech and owner of Icing on the Cake and the Barkery, Carrie Kennersley has been asked to sell some of her dog biscuit recipes. In trying to decide if she wants to do so, a woman named Wanda is being overly persistent in trying to get her to sell and undermining Jack, the man from VimPets that Carrie has been dealing with. When Wanda is found murdered, both Jack and Carrie's friend, Billi, whom Jack was dating, become the prime suspects. Carrie agrees to try to solve the case, much to the chagrin of her brother Neal and boyfriend Reed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was kept guessing until the end. Happy to see Carrie and Reed getting a little closer. A great book for any animal lover.
May 10, 2017
This book is a great example as to why I have a newfound love for cozy mysteries. When a local business owner, Carrie, has the bright idea to bring dog treat recipes to a manufacturing business, she has no idea the storm that is coming her way; including a murder.
This was a really fun yet mysterious and a little romantic read that kept me wondering who was the mastermind behind the whole thing.. And the ending was quite the surprise too! The author did not disappoint in this book.
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
This was a really fun yet mysterious and a little romantic read that kept me wondering who was the mastermind behind the whole thing.. And the ending was quite the surprise too! The author did not disappoint in this book.
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
April 1, 2020
If you're expecting a typical cozy mystery then I suppose this will fill the bill. It's not going to win any literary prizes, and the actual murder "investigation" (if you can call it that) doesn't really kick in until toward the end, but it does check all the cozy boxes--insular, quaint community; gutsy female protagonist; handsome yet nonessential love interest; questionable premises (are baked dog treats really such a hot commodity?), and of course, lots of dogs. There are worse things you could read.
May 28, 2017
This is a classic cozy-it features an intrepid female amateur detective with a fun day job and a not too twisty murder mystery of a person no one likes. I had not read the first two books in the series but that wasn't a problem for me as I felt Carrie was well developed and engaging enough to get me right into the story. It's well written, a quick read, and worth your time. Thanks to net galley for the ARC- I'm going to look for more from Johnston.
September 21, 2017
I just couldn't get into this book. Maybe it was because she kept referring to people as "dog mom". I love my dogs but I am not their mother. Also, felt it was impossible. Main character runs a human bakery, a dog treat bakery, works as a vet tech, solves murders in her spare time AND is carrying on a romance with one of the vets she works for.
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