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Sleeping Dogs
Sixty-two year old Matty Amoruso is still reeling from the sudden death of her husband when she discovers a hidden notebook in his file cabinet. If the message it contains is true, the man convicted of a local murder thirty-six years ago is innocent, and the real murderer is walking free. Matty must decide if she is willing to uncover the truth, whatever the cost to herself and those around her. If that wasn’t enough, there’s trouble afoot in their little country church where Matty’s friend, Willa-Mae, is leading the charge to get things back to the way they were before the new pastor arrived with his new ideas.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2016
145 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Linda L. Chontos
1 book4 followersLinda Chontos is a wife, mom, grandmother, and writer. She and her husband, Steve, live in Texas. She blogs as a contributor to the online devotional, Laced With Grace. Visit her at her website: www.lindachontos.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 9, 2017
Delightful and inspiring
This cozy mystery is one of the most delightful, inspiring novels I've read in a while. The writing seems more like the calibre of a seasoned storyteller rather than a first-time author.
All the characters were realistic and the plot and sub-plots were fascinating. I'll definitely be looking for the next book in this series!
This cozy mystery is one of the most delightful, inspiring novels I've read in a while. The writing seems more like the calibre of a seasoned storyteller rather than a first-time author.
All the characters were realistic and the plot and sub-plots were fascinating. I'll definitely be looking for the next book in this series!
December 6, 2017
I enjoyed the book.
The story was easy to read and kept my interest. I loved all the rain and the small town sense of community and friendship. Incorporating God's love and forgiveness into the story was a nice touch. I would definitely love to read more books about the characters I meet in Sleeping Dogs.
The story was easy to read and kept my interest. I loved all the rain and the small town sense of community and friendship. Incorporating God's love and forgiveness into the story was a nice touch. I would definitely love to read more books about the characters I meet in Sleeping Dogs.
January 25, 2019
Don't expect a mystery
I went into this expecting a mystery and on that it disappoints. The mystery is more of a superficial side plot and the various goings on after her husband died is primary. Possible spoiller, but the story is perhaps her return to god after her husband's death but it's rather blah. The prologue is weak and seems tacked on in an effort to create a hook that was otherwise lacking from the very slow beginning. The writing itself in terms of words, sentences, and character are fine but the story is weak, whether you are looking for a mystery or a character dealing with a difficult situation. The older neighbor's story is more compelling.
I went into this expecting a mystery and on that it disappoints. The mystery is more of a superficial side plot and the various goings on after her husband died is primary. Possible spoiller, but the story is perhaps her return to god after her husband's death but it's rather blah. The prologue is weak and seems tacked on in an effort to create a hook that was otherwise lacking from the very slow beginning. The writing itself in terms of words, sentences, and character are fine but the story is weak, whether you are looking for a mystery or a character dealing with a difficult situation. The older neighbor's story is more compelling.
May 28, 2017
I loved the characters and the small town drama/non-drama. Matty's character rang especially true as I compared her experience to Mom's in coping with the loss of her husband. I think I would have enjoyed the story even without the murder mystery... I might have even liked it better without, though that was really the reason I picked it up in the first place. There were times when I wanted to just skip ahead to find out what was happening with the mystery... but I didn't, because I wanted to enjoy the other parts of the story, too. So... really this is probably 3.5 stars because of how frustrating it was waiting for the mystery to get off the ground (especially the first half), but I rounded up because of how much I liked Matty and Willa-Mae and their community of friends and neighbors. :)
May 23, 2019
Just. WOW.
This book was seriously hard on my heart. The emotions were so raw and so real. The mystery crept in very slowly and sort of snuck around in the background for awhile. Suddenly, it was right there and I realized we already had all of the likely suspects. What a great story! I cried more often than I would like, but I so enjoyed Shep and some if the other characters that helped Matty get through. If this is a glimpse of things to come, I hope to read more books from this inspired author!
This book was seriously hard on my heart. The emotions were so raw and so real. The mystery crept in very slowly and sort of snuck around in the background for awhile. Suddenly, it was right there and I realized we already had all of the likely suspects. What a great story! I cried more often than I would like, but I so enjoyed Shep and some if the other characters that helped Matty get through. If this is a glimpse of things to come, I hope to read more books from this inspired author!
September 17, 2017
The recently widowed pastor's spouse finds a notebook her husband left from visits he made to the local prison, suggesting that the only murder to occur in town was not committed by the man who has now spent 36 years in prison. What should she do? Add to the mix a stray dog who she decides to take in...what could go wrong? Or right?
a real page turner!
a real page turner!
January 4, 2019
Wonderful story
I surprised myself when I chose this book to read. I typically don’t like to read anything with a lot of preaching, praying and the like. But this is a heartfelt story put together so well. The characters soon became friends and neighbors. I was very satisfied with the resolution. Highly recommend this book.
I surprised myself when I chose this book to read. I typically don’t like to read anything with a lot of preaching, praying and the like. But this is a heartfelt story put together so well. The characters soon became friends and neighbors. I was very satisfied with the resolution. Highly recommend this book.
March 26, 2019
Mystery with heart
This was a story that encompassed grief in the loss of a husband. The author takes you inside the wife’s heart. I found it informative in how to understand what this loss can entail. The mystery aspect kept the story going . I hope the author continues to write more books.
This was a story that encompassed grief in the loss of a husband. The author takes you inside the wife’s heart. I found it informative in how to understand what this loss can entail. The mystery aspect kept the story going . I hope the author continues to write more books.
August 21, 2022
If I could I would give the book 3.5 stars. I enjoyed reading the book it is a clean Christian novel. They say a mystery but not what I consider a mystery. The story moves very slowly but it is a great look at a small town. It reminds of a small church we went to when we were first married. I love how the author shows how people are not perfect but also how they rely on God's guidance and love.
April 6, 2024
her husband died and she was alone after her daughter left to go home to her husband and kids. a dog found her and she adopted him
her husband used to be pastor and visited man in prison he thought was guilty. she kept after it and found who did it , got her to confess and got the innocent man freed after more than 30 yrs
her husband used to be pastor and visited man in prison he thought was guilty. she kept after it and found who did it , got her to confess and got the innocent man freed after more than 30 yrs
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2017
Loved this book
Well written with so much heart. It is a sweet story, with some heart breaking turns and twists. I will recommend my sister's read also. Looking forward to her next book. Thank you Miss Linda.
Well written with so much heart. It is a sweet story, with some heart breaking turns and twists. I will recommend my sister's read also. Looking forward to her next book. Thank you Miss Linda.
December 13, 2017
Amazing Grace
Well, readers, what more can I say about this inspirational murder mystery? Marty's heartbreak over the loss of her husband is so real to anyone who has suffered a deep loss. The mystery is interwoven with breaths of fresh air.😊
Well, readers, what more can I say about this inspirational murder mystery? Marty's heartbreak over the loss of her husband is so real to anyone who has suffered a deep loss. The mystery is interwoven with breaths of fresh air.😊
January 7, 2018
GREAT READ!!!!!!
Very good book!!!!! Kept my interest from beginning to end!!!!! Explicitly written, felt like I knew each character. Enjoyed the mystery of it and of course the Christian part!!!!!
Very good book!!!!! Kept my interest from beginning to end!!!!! Explicitly written, felt like I knew each character. Enjoyed the mystery of it and of course the Christian part!!!!!
February 1, 2018
Kept drawing me back
I enjoyed this book. The writing style, the story line. Was a mystery, but not one that kept you so tense you couldn't read it before bedtime! Will read more of her works.
Thank you and God be with us!
I enjoyed this book. The writing style, the story line. Was a mystery, but not one that kept you so tense you couldn't read it before bedtime! Will read more of her works.
Thank you and God be with us!
February 16, 2018
Lots of good but missed something big
Willa-Mae learned a lesson but the pastor’s wife didn’t pass it on to Donna. ......................................................................................... I will edit to explain ASAP.
Willa-Mae learned a lesson but the pastor’s wife didn’t pass it on to Donna. ......................................................................................... I will edit to explain ASAP.
June 1, 2018
A refreshing, clean read!
This book was a pleasant surprise. From the very start, the author was successful in capturing my attention while developing an interesting, emotional, and sometimes suspenseful storyline. I would read more works by this author.
This book was a pleasant surprise. From the very start, the author was successful in capturing my attention while developing an interesting, emotional, and sometimes suspenseful storyline. I would read more works by this author.
August 11, 2018
Wonderful book
I enjoyed this book so much! This book is huge, not in size, but in content. So many individual stories that flowed through each other so well. Wonderful book, wonderful story Linda Chontos. Thank you.
I enjoyed this book so much! This book is huge, not in size, but in content. So many individual stories that flowed through each other so well. Wonderful book, wonderful story Linda Chontos. Thank you.
September 3, 2018
Inspiring mystery
Here's a well-written tale of regrets, grief and loss, tragedy and healing. The small town setting was especially refreshing. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
Here's a well-written tale of regrets, grief and loss, tragedy and healing. The small town setting was especially refreshing. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
February 20, 2020
Mystery
I choose this rating because of the story line and the writing.
I liked the fact that this could have easily been a true story.
There was a lesson to be learned. Don't judge or lay blame without knowing the facts.
I choose this rating because of the story line and the writing.
I liked the fact that this could have easily been a true story.
There was a lesson to be learned. Don't judge or lay blame without knowing the facts.
June 19, 2017
Enjoyable!
What a sweet mystery! I really liked Matty and Shep. The characters were loveable and the story was well-written. I would definitely read more by this author.
What a sweet mystery! I really liked Matty and Shep. The characters were loveable and the story was well-written. I would definitely read more by this author.
August 22, 2017
Heartfelt
This book has been such a blessing. I have been where Mattie
had to go and my cat, Charlie has been the companion with me. God bless each reader of this book.
This book has been such a blessing. I have been where Mattie
had to go and my cat, Charlie has been the companion with me. God bless each reader of this book.
October 10, 2017
Fantastic read!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through it. Faith and suspense hand in hand. Very unusual combination. Hope to see more like this out there.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through it. Faith and suspense hand in hand. Very unusual combination. Hope to see more like this out there.
December 5, 2017
Sleeping Dogs
So enjoyed this book. Loved Mattie and her friends. Was a good little mystery and a feel good story about good people
So enjoyed this book. Loved Mattie and her friends. Was a good little mystery and a feel good story about good people
March 19, 2019
Wonderful story!
December 22, 2019
Wow. What a good book. I cannot believe there isn't a sequel.
August 8, 2022
Nice story
Lovely characters and great setting. This is definitely a Christian cozy mystery and it is very slow paced as far as solving the mystery.
Lovely characters and great setting. This is definitely a Christian cozy mystery and it is very slow paced as far as solving the mystery.
September 2, 2023
This book was unbelievable. I loved it. The characters were great as was the story(very believable) I even loved the dog. I can't wait to read another book by this author.
August 8, 2020
Excellent Christian fiction.
The author manages to cover a broad range of human & even church dilemmas with a decent mystery thrown in. She somehow makes it work without being contrived.
The author manages to cover a broad range of human & even church dilemmas with a decent mystery thrown in. She somehow makes it work without being contrived.
apuntados
March 3, 2017Amazon - 03/03/2017
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2018
Heartening Christian mystery. Well written plot and intelligently drawn characters. Highly Recommended for Christian, mystery, and suspense fans. Looking forward to next in series (hopefully there is one)!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews