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Penny Preston #1
Jack Be Nimble Jack Be Dead
Wyoming Ohio is the place you move when you are ready for the quiet life—at least that’s what Penny Preston thought.
Five years ago, Penny Preston found herself divorced and alone in San Diego, CA. With only her Dachshund named Piper and the possessions she could fit in her beat up Chevy Malibu, Penny decided to take her Aunt up on her offer to move in with her in Wyoming, Ohio, and help her run her coffee shop. She never imagined her Aunt passing away or her leaving the shop to her, but that’s exactly what happened.
Besides the occasional nosy community member creating a stir around unsubstantiated gossip, life was peaceful—that’s until Penny’s life got messy . . . as in red body messy. Jack Eggerton, the local dog catcher, is found dead in the back of the animal shelter Penny runs in her spare time. After a heated argument between her and Jack about a missing dog, it appears the finger is pointed directly at Penny Preston. Enlisting the help of her seamstress neighbor, Linda, and her chubby Dachshund, Piper, with whom she has a rather peculiar connection to, Penny sets out to unveil the killer before she is left paying for a crime she didn’t commit . . .
Five years ago, Penny Preston found herself divorced and alone in San Diego, CA. With only her Dachshund named Piper and the possessions she could fit in her beat up Chevy Malibu, Penny decided to take her Aunt up on her offer to move in with her in Wyoming, Ohio, and help her run her coffee shop. She never imagined her Aunt passing away or her leaving the shop to her, but that’s exactly what happened.
Besides the occasional nosy community member creating a stir around unsubstantiated gossip, life was peaceful—that’s until Penny’s life got messy . . . as in red body messy. Jack Eggerton, the local dog catcher, is found dead in the back of the animal shelter Penny runs in her spare time. After a heated argument between her and Jack about a missing dog, it appears the finger is pointed directly at Penny Preston. Enlisting the help of her seamstress neighbor, Linda, and her chubby Dachshund, Piper, with whom she has a rather peculiar connection to, Penny sets out to unveil the killer before she is left paying for a crime she didn’t commit . . .
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2017
90 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Owens
48 books663 followersWendy Owens is a thriller writer, born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork she gave her first love, writing, a try. It’s become a passion ever since.
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 7, 2017
Cuddly dogs and a killer stalking them, just a day at Half Day Coffee
Penny Preston and her dachshund, Piper have an unusual psychic connection and it cones in handy lots of times. She and her friend/renter Linda have their hands full after discovering a body in the kennel area behind the coffeehouse Penny owns. Penny also rescues dogs so after finding the body and getting clues from Piper who with the rest of the dogs saw the murder, she and Linda set out to find the killer before he strikes again.
This was such a fun book and I love that my favorite dog, a dachshund, is featured as an actual character. It was a quick read and I didn't guess the killer until the author cleverly started the reveal. The take down was awesome (not spoiling, I'll just say yay for Piper) and the ending was really good. I can't wait to read the next one!
Penny Preston and her dachshund, Piper have an unusual psychic connection and it cones in handy lots of times. She and her friend/renter Linda have their hands full after discovering a body in the kennel area behind the coffeehouse Penny owns. Penny also rescues dogs so after finding the body and getting clues from Piper who with the rest of the dogs saw the murder, she and Linda set out to find the killer before he strikes again.
This was such a fun book and I love that my favorite dog, a dachshund, is featured as an actual character. It was a quick read and I didn't guess the killer until the author cleverly started the reveal. The take down was awesome (not spoiling, I'll just say yay for Piper) and the ending was really good. I can't wait to read the next one!
December 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was the perfect cozy warm murder mystery holiday read filled with heart warming moments as well as humor and a dash of love!
Penny owns a coffee shop that was left to her from her aunt. But within this coffee shop there is also a kennel for dogs. Penny is passionate about rescuing stray dogs and finding them homes. Linda also has a business upstairs being a seamstress.
I also can’t leave out Penny’s sidekick dachshund who she is able to communicate with.
Penny shows up to work one day and Nick has been found murdered in one of the kennels. Cue, Linda finding out about this sends Linda into one to dig into this and find out what could’ve possibly happened, is someone after Penny and Nick just happened to be an accident? Penny is reluctant to join in on digging around and Linda’s crazy ideals but is ultimately convinced.
With Penny and Linda on the case it leads to many suspects because it seems Nick had some secrets and some enemies in town. It doesn’t help Penny’s case that she was seen arguing with Nick before his death and he was murdered in her animal shelter? Penny is suspect number one. Hence, Penny going along with all of Linda’s crazy ideas to crack this case to prove her innocence.
This delivered humor, the small town cozy holiday murder mystery vibe and kept me engaged from being to end of the story! I look forward to continuing this series!
This was the perfect cozy warm murder mystery holiday read filled with heart warming moments as well as humor and a dash of love!
Penny owns a coffee shop that was left to her from her aunt. But within this coffee shop there is also a kennel for dogs. Penny is passionate about rescuing stray dogs and finding them homes. Linda also has a business upstairs being a seamstress.
I also can’t leave out Penny’s sidekick dachshund who she is able to communicate with.
Penny shows up to work one day and Nick has been found murdered in one of the kennels. Cue, Linda finding out about this sends Linda into one to dig into this and find out what could’ve possibly happened, is someone after Penny and Nick just happened to be an accident? Penny is reluctant to join in on digging around and Linda’s crazy ideals but is ultimately convinced.
With Penny and Linda on the case it leads to many suspects because it seems Nick had some secrets and some enemies in town. It doesn’t help Penny’s case that she was seen arguing with Nick before his death and he was murdered in her animal shelter? Penny is suspect number one. Hence, Penny going along with all of Linda’s crazy ideas to crack this case to prove her innocence.
This delivered humor, the small town cozy holiday murder mystery vibe and kept me engaged from being to end of the story! I look forward to continuing this series!
December 6, 2019
Penny Preston, owner of Half Day Coffee Shop and a no-kill animal shelter finds Jack Egerton, the local dogcatcher, dead in her shelter. What on earth was he doing there? The police seem to zero in on Penny as she was seen arguing with the victim. Penny knows she didn't kill Jack an Deputy Hanson aka "Deputy Handsome" seems to want to believe her but without more suspects Penny may be in for jail time for a crime she didn't commit. Penny's friend Linda refuses to allow this to happen. She decides to play Sherlock Holmes with Penny as Watson (albeit reluctant Watson) to help the police solve the case. Perhaps Penny's rescue dachshund can help her find some clues as Penny and Piper have a unique bond. With people warning them off left and right, it makes Penny fearful that she will be next on the killer's list if she doesn't help the police find the killer and soon.
I liked this mystery well enough. It was just the right length to be a pleasant diversion. The plot was engaging enough to want to keep reading but I did figure out what was going on before Penny put the puzzle pieces together. She just couldn't imagine something like that would happen.
Penny is a great character. She's very human with insecurities and stubbornness, plus she's a baker and has a strong connection to her beloved pup. Penny is a little too stubborn at times. When Sheriff Wright, who seems to be a good man, tells her not to get involved and has Deputy Hanson tell her this, she proceeds with her investigation. I love how Penny can communicate with Piper.
The WHY seems a bit strange but I believe this type of communication is possible. I love her no-kill shelter but not how she pushes pets on people without matching personalities and so onI do not like Penny's friend Linda. Linda, an avid reader of murder mysteries, is older than Penny and old enough to know better. She could be cautioning Penny not to investigate and not lying, scheming and doing a poor job of investigating a crime. Linda is crazy. Piper is insanely adorable. She is obsessed with food, especially bacon. I laughed every time her thoughts communicated bacon to Penny's mind. I think my terrier would have sent me the same images.
The police seem competent enough to do their job without Penny's interference. Sheriff Wright is an older man who has known Penny for a long long time. He tries to stay objective and professional during the investigation. The Deputy and the coffee shop owner seem to be dancing around a mutual attraction but other than his good looks, I'm not sure why Penny likes him so much. She doesn't really know him before the start of the story. She says he's sweet and tenderhearted but that's told to the reader in the beginning without explaining how she knows that. Deputy Hanson does seem very kind. He loves animals, even though he's a cat person.
Jack, the victim, sounds like he was a horrible person but still had at least one redeeming quality. Maybe. No one deserves to be murdered. I don't know how he could live with himself for what he did. The business he was involved in is despicable even without the shady stuff going on.
A few people were involved in Jack's life who may know something that led to his death. Mr. Murdock is a creepy old man who hits on the two younger women. Linda, I can see, she's in her 60s but Penny is in her 30s and no way should she have to put up with a creepy old man hitting on her. She can't notify the police without revealing she was questioning him though. Jack's girlfriend, Dara Mavin, has a strong motive for murder. A budding realtor, she's a no-nonsense kind of woman. I can see her as the killer. Jack's ex-girlfriend and/or her new boyfriend also have a motive. Brik, the new boyfriend, is a mafia type. He seems too dumb and easy going to have someone killed but maybe it's an act. April is Jack's ex-girlfriend who is in a new relationship for shallow reasons. She doesn't seem to have a strong motive for murder, more like the other way around. She is a dog lover so perhaps they argued and she knifed him in the back in the heat of the moment?
Jack's sister, Jill, is also a suspect. She's very angry with her brother for a good reason. She certainly has a temper given her reaction to Linda's subterfuge. Jack's best friend Tommy seems to know something he isn't telling Penny. Penny doesn't think he's a killer based on gut instinct. I think he's not intelligent enough or temperamental enough to murder someone but I think he's mixed up in it somehow and knows who did do the deed. The killer is a truly nasty, horrid, selfish, ruthless person who is hiding behind a personable mask.
I enjoyed this book as a pleasant diversion. I noticed two typos and my big pet peeve "Alright." I do see an updated version of the book is available and I believe it corrects the typos AND uses the grammatically correct "all right". Well done!
I liked this mystery well enough. It was just the right length to be a pleasant diversion. The plot was engaging enough to want to keep reading but I did figure out what was going on before Penny put the puzzle pieces together. She just couldn't imagine something like that would happen.
Penny is a great character. She's very human with insecurities and stubbornness, plus she's a baker and has a strong connection to her beloved pup. Penny is a little too stubborn at times. When Sheriff Wright, who seems to be a good man, tells her not to get involved and has Deputy Hanson tell her this, she proceeds with her investigation. I love how Penny can communicate with Piper.
The WHY seems a bit strange but I believe this type of communication is possible. I love her no-kill shelter but not how she pushes pets on people without matching personalities and so onI do not like Penny's friend Linda. Linda, an avid reader of murder mysteries, is older than Penny and old enough to know better. She could be cautioning Penny not to investigate and not lying, scheming and doing a poor job of investigating a crime. Linda is crazy. Piper is insanely adorable. She is obsessed with food, especially bacon. I laughed every time her thoughts communicated bacon to Penny's mind. I think my terrier would have sent me the same images.
The police seem competent enough to do their job without Penny's interference. Sheriff Wright is an older man who has known Penny for a long long time. He tries to stay objective and professional during the investigation. The Deputy and the coffee shop owner seem to be dancing around a mutual attraction but other than his good looks, I'm not sure why Penny likes him so much. She doesn't really know him before the start of the story. She says he's sweet and tenderhearted but that's told to the reader in the beginning without explaining how she knows that. Deputy Hanson does seem very kind. He loves animals, even though he's a cat person.
Jack, the victim, sounds like he was a horrible person but still had at least one redeeming quality. Maybe. No one deserves to be murdered. I don't know how he could live with himself for what he did. The business he was involved in is despicable even without the shady stuff going on.
A few people were involved in Jack's life who may know something that led to his death. Mr. Murdock is a creepy old man who hits on the two younger women. Linda, I can see, she's in her 60s but Penny is in her 30s and no way should she have to put up with a creepy old man hitting on her. She can't notify the police without revealing she was questioning him though. Jack's girlfriend, Dara Mavin, has a strong motive for murder. A budding realtor, she's a no-nonsense kind of woman. I can see her as the killer. Jack's ex-girlfriend and/or her new boyfriend also have a motive. Brik, the new boyfriend, is a mafia type. He seems too dumb and easy going to have someone killed but maybe it's an act. April is Jack's ex-girlfriend who is in a new relationship for shallow reasons. She doesn't seem to have a strong motive for murder, more like the other way around. She is a dog lover so perhaps they argued and she knifed him in the back in the heat of the moment?
Jack's sister, Jill, is also a suspect. She's very angry with her brother for a good reason. She certainly has a temper given her reaction to Linda's subterfuge. Jack's best friend Tommy seems to know something he isn't telling Penny. Penny doesn't think he's a killer based on gut instinct. I think he's not intelligent enough or temperamental enough to murder someone but I think he's mixed up in it somehow and knows who did do the deed. The killer is a truly nasty, horrid, selfish, ruthless person who is hiding behind a personable mask.
I enjoyed this book as a pleasant diversion. I noticed two typos and my big pet peeve "Alright." I do see an updated version of the book is available and I believe it corrects the typos AND uses the grammatically correct "all right". Well done!
December 22, 2017
Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Dead
By Wendy Owens
Review by Jessica Secrest
Wendy Owens story “Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Dead” is a great story. Jack most certainly is dead and Penny Preston is the one who found him. Jack is the dog catcher and Penny runs a shelter finding homes for stray dogs. She had been overheard arguing with Jack about the whereabouts of a Bernese Mountain Dog that Jack was supposed to deliver to her shelter.
I found it interesting that the story does not begin with Penny stumbling over the body, but with Penny calmly discussing finding the body in her coffee shop with the sheriff. The coffee shop was left to her by her aunt in the small town of Wyoming, Ohio.
I like Penny as she is a reluctant Watson to her tenant, a seamstress, Linda Louise's, Sherlock Holmes. Linda is older than Penny by a decade or so, and keeps pushing her to investigate the murder.
They follow a slim line of clues to the murderer. You meet each suspect as they are introduced to Penny and Linda. I did not see any foreshadowing. There were a lot of warnings from the sheriff and Penny's love interest, Deputy Hanson. At last the slim clues fall into place. Penny is startled to see the Bernese Mountain Dog tipping her hand to the murderer. The murderer attacks Penny. Linda saves her in a unique way. Deputy Hanson stumbles in the door soon afterwards.
I'm not sure if Penny ever did save that Bernese Mountain Dog. Hmm.
By Wendy Owens
Review by Jessica Secrest
Wendy Owens story “Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Dead” is a great story. Jack most certainly is dead and Penny Preston is the one who found him. Jack is the dog catcher and Penny runs a shelter finding homes for stray dogs. She had been overheard arguing with Jack about the whereabouts of a Bernese Mountain Dog that Jack was supposed to deliver to her shelter.
I found it interesting that the story does not begin with Penny stumbling over the body, but with Penny calmly discussing finding the body in her coffee shop with the sheriff. The coffee shop was left to her by her aunt in the small town of Wyoming, Ohio.
I like Penny as she is a reluctant Watson to her tenant, a seamstress, Linda Louise's, Sherlock Holmes. Linda is older than Penny by a decade or so, and keeps pushing her to investigate the murder.
They follow a slim line of clues to the murderer. You meet each suspect as they are introduced to Penny and Linda. I did not see any foreshadowing. There were a lot of warnings from the sheriff and Penny's love interest, Deputy Hanson. At last the slim clues fall into place. Penny is startled to see the Bernese Mountain Dog tipping her hand to the murderer. The murderer attacks Penny. Linda saves her in a unique way. Deputy Hanson stumbles in the door soon afterwards.
I'm not sure if Penny ever did save that Bernese Mountain Dog. Hmm.
December 28, 2017
Take one combination coffeehouse/animal rescue facility (an interesting aspect right off the bat), add a heroine with a psychic connection to her adorable dachshund, and top it off with the mysterious murder of the town dogcatcher. The result is one of the more unique cozies I’ve read.
“Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Dead” is an entertaining mystery set, as cozies often are, in a small town where everyone seems to know everyone else. There’s no preamble to the murder – it’s already taken place as the story opens, and Half Day Coffeehouse proprietress Penny Preston is understandably shaken, as the victim was found on the premises. I really enjoyed the interplay between her and her 60-something sidekick Linda as they set out to clear Penny's name and determine who committed the murder. Linda fancies herself a murder mystery expert, mainly because she reads so many of them, which made me chuckle, as I imagine many of us mystery readers probably think the same thing about ourselves!
The story unfolds in some unexpected directions, and I changed my opinion as to the perpetrator a couple of times. My last guess was right, but the killer’s motive turned out to be one I’d never have anticipated. Without giving anything away, I will say I was glad the killer’s creepy plans never came to fruition in the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was a quick, fun read, and although I’m not typically a fan of a supernatural aspect in mysteries, this one was pretty cute – I wouldn’t mind having a pup like Piper that could give me some psychic warnings and clues about things... especially when it comes to playing matchmaker with a cute sheriff’s deputy! I’ll look forward to seeing how that aspect unfolds as the series progresses. ;)
NOTE: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
“Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Dead” is an entertaining mystery set, as cozies often are, in a small town where everyone seems to know everyone else. There’s no preamble to the murder – it’s already taken place as the story opens, and Half Day Coffeehouse proprietress Penny Preston is understandably shaken, as the victim was found on the premises. I really enjoyed the interplay between her and her 60-something sidekick Linda as they set out to clear Penny's name and determine who committed the murder. Linda fancies herself a murder mystery expert, mainly because she reads so many of them, which made me chuckle, as I imagine many of us mystery readers probably think the same thing about ourselves!
The story unfolds in some unexpected directions, and I changed my opinion as to the perpetrator a couple of times. My last guess was right, but the killer’s motive turned out to be one I’d never have anticipated. Without giving anything away, I will say I was glad the killer’s creepy plans never came to fruition in the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was a quick, fun read, and although I’m not typically a fan of a supernatural aspect in mysteries, this one was pretty cute – I wouldn’t mind having a pup like Piper that could give me some psychic warnings and clues about things... especially when it comes to playing matchmaker with a cute sheriff’s deputy! I’ll look forward to seeing how that aspect unfolds as the series progresses. ;)
NOTE: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 7, 2017
I received a copy from the author to read and give an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
Penny Preston gets divorced, and moves back to her hometown of Wyoming, Ohio with her chubby Dachshund Piper. When her aunt passes away and leaves her a coffee shop. She adds a very small no-kill dog shelter next to the shop and runs both. Shortly after she gets into an argument with the local dog-catcher about a missing dog, the dog catcher is murdered in her dog shelter, and she becomes a suspect; Penny, Piper, and their neighbor Linda start their own investigation into the murder.
The story grabbed me right away, and kept me interested the entire time. Likeable characters, and well developed plot with lots of twists. Thrown into the mix are cute dogs, a quirky neighbor, and a hot deputy, and you get a fun, fast-paced story that's a winner!!
I really enjoyed reading this book.
Penny Preston gets divorced, and moves back to her hometown of Wyoming, Ohio with her chubby Dachshund Piper. When her aunt passes away and leaves her a coffee shop. She adds a very small no-kill dog shelter next to the shop and runs both. Shortly after she gets into an argument with the local dog-catcher about a missing dog, the dog catcher is murdered in her dog shelter, and she becomes a suspect; Penny, Piper, and their neighbor Linda start their own investigation into the murder.
The story grabbed me right away, and kept me interested the entire time. Likeable characters, and well developed plot with lots of twists. Thrown into the mix are cute dogs, a quirky neighbor, and a hot deputy, and you get a fun, fast-paced story that's a winner!!
February 23, 2017
I just love it when a new author asks me to read a book and review it for her. Because, as a result, I have another amazing author to read books by.
Penny Preston lives in the small town of Wyoming Ohio. She moved there to help her Aunt with her coffee shop (Half Day Coffeehouse), that she later inherited from her. She also runs an animal shelter in a part of the same building. When she comes to work one day and finds the dog catcher (Jack Egerton) killed in the kennels, she and one of her tenants (Linda Louise) decide they need to find out who did it - to keep Penny out of jail herself. I don't write spoilers, BUT I will warn you that you will be sitting on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out exactly what happens, all the way to the last page!!!
I'm so looking forward to more books in this series!!! I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
Penny Preston lives in the small town of Wyoming Ohio. She moved there to help her Aunt with her coffee shop (Half Day Coffeehouse), that she later inherited from her. She also runs an animal shelter in a part of the same building. When she comes to work one day and finds the dog catcher (Jack Egerton) killed in the kennels, she and one of her tenants (Linda Louise) decide they need to find out who did it - to keep Penny out of jail herself. I don't write spoilers, BUT I will warn you that you will be sitting on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out exactly what happens, all the way to the last page!!!
I'm so looking forward to more books in this series!!! I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
April 6, 2020
Sweet quick read - murder was the crime - but the reason the victim was murdered made me quite ill!
December 23, 2017
Wyoming Ohio is a small town where Penny Preston is the proprietor of Half Day Coffeehouse. It begins as a normal day but then she discovers the local dog catcher Jack Egerton's body face down with a knife in his back in her kennel. Penny had opened the small rescue operation at the back of her coffehouse for lost dogs short term til they found their fur-ever home. The local sheriff of course puts Penny at the top of his suspect list. Penny's friend Linda leads the local mystery readers book club thinks of herself as Sherlock and soon gets Penny on the hunt interviewing suspects and tracking down clues. Jack had a lot of enemies and their investigation is sometimes comical especially some of the situations Linda gets them into. Also Penny has a psychic dachshund named Piper who sends her images to help. I loved the connection with Piper which put a unique twist on the story. Pick up this fun cozy mystery today!
December 17, 2017
Penny Preston moved to Wyoming, OH, five years earlier to help her Aunt run her coffee shop. After her Aunt passed away she was left to run the coffee shop on her own. Penny added an animal rescue shelter to the back of the coffee shop as a no-kill option for stray animals in the area. After an argument with Jack Eggerton, local dog catcher, about a missing dog he was supposed to bring to her shelter, Jack was found dead inside the shelter. Penny (with the help of her friend and neighbor, Linda, and her Dachshund, Piper) sets out to find the real killer and clear her name.
This is an entertaining story with a well-developed plot that has several twists and turns. The characters-Penny and Linda are delightfully funny as they try to solve Jack’s murder with their amateur sleuthing. Penny’s Dachshund Piper and other dogs in the story are adorable. This book as a little bit of everything for cozy mystery lovers… a touch of romance, a little bit of psychic ability, baking, and pet rescue. I look forward to more books in this series.
I was provided with a copy of this book in hopes I would submit a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is an entertaining story with a well-developed plot that has several twists and turns. The characters-Penny and Linda are delightfully funny as they try to solve Jack’s murder with their amateur sleuthing. Penny’s Dachshund Piper and other dogs in the story are adorable. This book as a little bit of everything for cozy mystery lovers… a touch of romance, a little bit of psychic ability, baking, and pet rescue. I look forward to more books in this series.
I was provided with a copy of this book in hopes I would submit a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 15, 2018
A pretty good somewhat short mystery, but not believable
When you finally learn why Jack was killed, you will realize that this story was made up by someone who is no good at arithmetic, knows nothing about farming, business, or economics, and does not have much common sense. But while the conclusion of the whodunit is obviously ridiculous nonsense, the investigation by the two slightly whacko but well meaning amateur detectives is highly amusing and moderately plausible. I can imagine people giving information to the two of them as they bumble through alternately causing a ruckus and reassuring people that no, we did not think that YOU killed Jack, we just think that maybe you can help us learn more about this little clue that is puzzling us . . . . Crazy women rushing in where noone in their right mind would, unless, like Penny Preston said at one point, you thought that a crazed killer was about to come after you next. I could identify with her fear when she said that, because the author had done a good job of conveying Penny's growing concerns as Linda rushed the two of them into predicament after predicament, without a thought of the risks that they were taking trying to hunt down a killer!
When you finally learn why Jack was killed, you will realize that this story was made up by someone who is no good at arithmetic, knows nothing about farming, business, or economics, and does not have much common sense. But while the conclusion of the whodunit is obviously ridiculous nonsense, the investigation by the two slightly whacko but well meaning amateur detectives is highly amusing and moderately plausible. I can imagine people giving information to the two of them as they bumble through alternately causing a ruckus and reassuring people that no, we did not think that YOU killed Jack, we just think that maybe you can help us learn more about this little clue that is puzzling us . . . . Crazy women rushing in where noone in their right mind would, unless, like Penny Preston said at one point, you thought that a crazed killer was about to come after you next. I could identify with her fear when she said that, because the author had done a good job of conveying Penny's growing concerns as Linda rushed the two of them into predicament after predicament, without a thought of the risks that they were taking trying to hunt down a killer!
December 28, 2024
This was a really good cozy mystery. Jack (the local dog catcher) turns up dead in the back of the coffee shop/dog rescue kennel after he and Penny (the shop owner) get into a heated public argument. Because of that argument, she is the prime suspect in his murder investigation.
She’s no killer, right? So Penny and her friend Linda (the town busy-body) begin to investigate the people that Jack is connected to around town in order to find the real killer. But Penny appears to be the next target, and her investigation only puts her in greater danger.
I absolutely LOVED the witty banter and sassy attitude from Linda. She’s not the main character, but she definitely has main character energy. There’s also a very innocent love interest/crush between Penny and Deputy Hanson (the lead investigator in the case for Jack) - but it seems neither of them are brave enough to admit it.
This story has plenty of twists, a strange connection between Penny and Piper (one of the rescue dogs), and an ending that I did not see coming.
Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Dead is part of the Cozy Christmas Omnibus, but I think these cozy mysteries set in the winter time can be read at any time of year.
She’s no killer, right? So Penny and her friend Linda (the town busy-body) begin to investigate the people that Jack is connected to around town in order to find the real killer. But Penny appears to be the next target, and her investigation only puts her in greater danger.
I absolutely LOVED the witty banter and sassy attitude from Linda. She’s not the main character, but she definitely has main character energy. There’s also a very innocent love interest/crush between Penny and Deputy Hanson (the lead investigator in the case for Jack) - but it seems neither of them are brave enough to admit it.
This story has plenty of twists, a strange connection between Penny and Piper (one of the rescue dogs), and an ending that I did not see coming.
Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Dead is part of the Cozy Christmas Omnibus, but I think these cozy mysteries set in the winter time can be read at any time of year.
March 5, 2017
Penny runs a coffee shop that also has an area in the back to take in strays. She is a sweet woman who is just trying to make sure that unwanted pets have a place to be safe, and hopefully find them a new home. One day she comes in and the dog catcher is found dead in the kennel area. Now the number one suspect, Penny needs to figure out who the real killer is so she is no longer considered. With the help of her dachshund Piper, she heads out to solve the case.
This book definitely had a couple of twists that I didn’t expect which is a good thing for me. I didn’t figure out the killer right away, but once I did, I also figured out the motive and it’s not for weak stomachs. The writing is superb and I absolutely love the characters. I hope that there is more to this series!!
This book definitely had a couple of twists that I didn’t expect which is a good thing for me. I didn’t figure out the killer right away, but once I did, I also figured out the motive and it’s not for weak stomachs. The writing is superb and I absolutely love the characters. I hope that there is more to this series!!
January 31, 2025
This was a clean cozy mystery. Who killed the dog catcher and why? Penny knows she didn’t do it and is just fine leaving it up to the authorities. Well, until her friend convinces her that if they don’t solve the murder then Penny might just go down for it herself because she was the one caught arguing with the guy before he winds up with a knife in his back. While they have a knack for finding trouble they also have a knack for finding the truth.
May 22, 2018
I know it is just me, but I did not enjoy this story.
The premise of a dog who communicates with other dogs and then communicates the other dog's thoughts to a human is simply too much of a stretch for me.
I wanted to like it, but this is simply not for me. I know there are readers who love this author and this series. It just is not for me.
The premise of a dog who communicates with other dogs and then communicates the other dog's thoughts to a human is simply too much of a stretch for me.
I wanted to like it, but this is simply not for me. I know there are readers who love this author and this series. It just is not for me.
November 3, 2024
cute
Not bad, brain candy 🍭 for a quick weekend read Belinda is a hoot and definitely a bad influence on Penny 😁😁 there’s a slight paranormal bent to the mystery but it’s not the main focus of the story. Once the killer entered the story it was easy to guess who, but overall not bad.
Not bad, brain candy 🍭 for a quick weekend read Belinda is a hoot and definitely a bad influence on Penny 😁😁 there’s a slight paranormal bent to the mystery but it’s not the main focus of the story. Once the killer entered the story it was easy to guess who, but overall not bad.
March 23, 2018
Jack be nimble
The lack of accurate spelling and punctuation did me in. Aren't there people who proofread? Are they literate? This could have been a great read but SHEESH punctuation and spelling make it break a book. Sorry, Ms. Owens. Try again.
The lack of accurate spelling and punctuation did me in. Aren't there people who proofread? Are they literate? This could have been a great read but SHEESH punctuation and spelling make it break a book. Sorry, Ms. Owens. Try again.
May 2, 2018
Love loved this book
I loved this book couldn't put it down at times. I laughed & cried & tried to solve the mystery. I didn't. I highly recommend this book & will buy anymore in the series.
I loved this book couldn't put it down at times. I laughed & cried & tried to solve the mystery. I didn't. I highly recommend this book & will buy anymore in the series.
September 16, 2018
Super cute read!
At first I thought it was a little too Pollyanna for a murder mystery, but once I really got into it the cutesiness kind of lightened my mood and I really enjoyed it.
At first I thought it was a little too Pollyanna for a murder mystery, but once I really got into it the cutesiness kind of lightened my mood and I really enjoyed it.
November 19, 2018
A Great Book!
An enjoyable book filled with suspense and accusations caused by a murder at the local coffee shop. Sit back in you favorite chair with this book and take an adventuresome romp through Wyoming, Ohio in search of a murderer.
An enjoyable book filled with suspense and accusations caused by a murder at the local coffee shop. Sit back in you favorite chair with this book and take an adventuresome romp through Wyoming, Ohio in search of a murderer.
December 18, 2018
Delightful cozy mystery
This is a cute yet suspenseful cozy mystery. I loved the two main characters and the doggie connection too. I found it to be a quick read and highly recommend it to all mystery lovers.
This is a cute yet suspenseful cozy mystery. I loved the two main characters and the doggie connection too. I found it to be a quick read and highly recommend it to all mystery lovers.
November 27, 2025
Really liked this series it was fun, quick and witty. The book I bought off TikTok from the author was missing some pages because the end of the chapter would just end without finishing the sentence, but overall I enjoyed it!
December 24, 2017
Cosy mystery
I enjoyed reading this book and I like Penny the eponymous heroine. It was funny and puzzling at the same time. I will read more of this series.
I enjoyed reading this book and I like Penny the eponymous heroine. It was funny and puzzling at the same time. I will read more of this series.
March 1, 2018
Gag
The mystery is good. Her friend is a hyper crazy lady. Penny is drug through the whole thing. And sweet piper. But when you find out why...oh gross.
The mystery is good. Her friend is a hyper crazy lady. Penny is drug through the whole thing. And sweet piper. But when you find out why...oh gross.
April 3, 2018
I really enjoyed this book - it's a fun, fun little mystery set in small-town Ohio. Penny Preston is a very likeable protagonist and the pages just flew by. Definitely recommended.
April 4, 2018
Good read.
This was a good mystery. It has psychic connections between pet and owner, mystery, twists and a hint of romance. Will be looking forward to other books by this author.
This was a good mystery. It has psychic connections between pet and owner, mystery, twists and a hint of romance. Will be looking forward to other books by this author.
April 5, 2018
3.5 stars
Loved the characters!
Loved the characters!
April 7, 2018
Jack be nimble Jack be dead
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Good, quick read. I love dogs too, so this was a good one. Please keep writing!
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Good, quick read. I love dogs too, so this was a good one. Please keep writing!
June 18, 2018
Easy read
Nice quick easy read while riding in car on a road trip. I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a good cozy mystery.
Nice quick easy read while riding in car on a road trip. I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a good cozy mystery.
October 11, 2018
So cute!
First book I have read by Wendy, but I can't wait to read more. I love the animals in the book. So fun.
First book I have read by Wendy, but I can't wait to read more. I love the animals in the book. So fun.
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