Traitorous Toys

Cozy Corgi #2

by Mildred Abbott

It’s Christmas in Estes Park, Colorado: cozy fires, twinkling lights, soft snowfall, and… murder.
The winter holidays in charming Estes Park lulls Winifred Page and her corgi, Watson, into thoughts of spiced chai and gingerbread as they settle into their new home. Fred’s dream bookshop is becoming a reality, and with Christmas only days away, her only concerns are spending time with family, enforcing Watson’s diet, and finding the perfect gifts.
The toy store beckons Fred and her friend Katie, who dash in out of the cold, during a shopping spree to discover handmade toys, cuddly stuffed animals… and a dying man on the floor.
When Katie’s desperate attempts to save the man ends in her being taken in for his murder, Fred once again dons her detective hat. She puts aside her Christmas list and—with Watson sniffing around—begins a list of suspects. But as quickly as clues point to one person, new discoveries shift the spotlight to another.  
With Katie’s freedom in the balance, Fred has little time to think about gifts or to enjoy the holiday lights and music. A killer is on the loose, one who became violent in a picture-perfect Christmas toy shop, and Fred and Watson can’t begin to predict what might happen next…


Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Animals, Fiction, Audiobook, Dogs

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2017

About the author

Mildred Abbott writes twisty cozy mysteries filled with humorous and complex characters. Whether brimming with magic or simply an above average dose of curiosity, Mildred's amateur sleuths solve murders with the cutest sidekicks ever.

Fifteen years as a special education teacher and a lifetime of loving rescue dogs results in creating adventures with a ton of heart and the need for lint rollers.

Connect with Mildred Abbott’s Cozy Mysteries on Facebook to catch the latest release and find fellow addicts of books, coffee, and corgis.


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Email: mildredabbottauthor@gmail.com

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Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

This was fun! I enjoy cozy mysteries every once in a while and so far I have been enjoying the Cozy Corgi Mysteries series. This is the second book in the series but it could easily work as a stand-alone. Fred and Watson are both delightful characters and I thought that the mystery in this book was really well done. I had a great time with this shorter read.

Fred is still working on getting her bookstore open and trying to get ready for Christmas at the same time. Fred ends up in the local toy shop needing a few gifts for family and senses an uncomfortable situation. The next thing you know the store owner is attacked and severely injured. When the local police suspect her friend, Fred decides to get to the bottom of things on her own.

I love the characters in this series. They are all so much fun. Fred is smart and determined. She just wants a chance to start over and make a life that she can enjoy. Her mother and step-father are awesome. Her step-father, Barry, is quite the character and he was responsible for more than a few laughs while I listened to this story. The is a whole crew of quirky characters that populate the town that helps to add some charm to this mystery. And then there's Watson. Watson is full of personality and I love the fact that he is very present in the story.

Angie Hickman did a fantastic job with this story. I loved the different voices she used for all the characters in the story. She really brought the story to life and I thought that she delivered the humor in the book so that it would have a bigger impact. I found myself laughing more than once. She has a wonderful voice that felt perfect for this story. I think that I liked the book just a little more because I decided to listen to it.

I would recommend this book to others. This was a wonderful little mystery that had fantastic characters and just the right amount of Christmas charm. I cannot wait to read more of this great series.

I received a review copy of this audiobook from the author/narrator via Audiobook Boom and have voluntarily left this review.

Initial Thoughts
This was a great short listen. Fred and Watson are great characters and I thought the mystery was well done. I like the humor that worked its way into the story. I was able to guess who the culprit was pretty early on but I thought it was fun to see how things would work out. The narrator did a fantastic job with the story.

[Ann Without An E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the first one in the series was better.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The quaint town of Estes Park is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It looks like a perfect picture postcard. But the picture changes abruptly when Fred and her friend, Katie, dong a little holiday shopping, enter a toy store to discover a man taking his last breaths. It’s not all candy canes and ho ho ho anymore.

Once again Fred is tangled up in a murder investigation. This time she’s not a suspect, just a witness, but her friend is at the top of the list. She won’t be told what to do and bumps up against Sergeant Branson once again. These two are such fun. There’s sparks there, but Fred is busy trying to get her bookstore, The Cozy Corgi, up and running. Does she really have time for romance? And how much can Branson take of her snooping into his investigation before those sparks turn cold?

Attempted murder becomes real when the man dies. Fred and her sidekick, the grumpy Corgi, Watson, are once again on the case. It was fun following along as they grilled suspects and sniffed out clues, the list of suspects ever changing. I admit, I was lead down several false trails and when the culprit was revealed, it was sudden and surprising.

This series is fun and addictive. Next up is Bickering Birds and I’m excited about the opening of The Cozy Corgi and curious to see what befalls these captivating characters next.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

2022 audio
Yeah, no. Leaving my rating as is because it was true at the time, I guess. I skipped most of this because it was just annoying. Don't understand, I was 100% in the mood for cozy mystery with no drama drama, you know? This technically fit all that but I noticed way too much Fred's obsession with Watson, her inner monolog was ugh, and the lady cop I wanted to punch, plus the wackadoo people who live in this freakin town...just nope, nope, and more nope. And guess what? I am going to try the next audio at the library, fingers crossed 🤞.

2018 review
A complimentary audio was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this more than book 1, which isn't to say I didn't like book 1. I did. But book 2 was better. 😊 The murder made more sense, and I enjoyed seeing Fred investigating. Plus her run ins with the rude and mean female police offer from the bottom of the roster were anger inducing but I enjoyed them because one of these days, Fred will have her revenge. 😈😈😈

The narration once again was great and I no longer feel the need for a male narrator for the male characters.

I do not know Fred's romantic life will lead her, but I am enjoying the ride. Now if only these people will stop killing each other there might be locals to attend the wedding, lol. 😁

4 stars for story and 4.5 for narration.

[Christina/ The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life! · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally addicted to this endearing series! The small town is the perfect setting for this cozy. The town's people will suck you in and gossip galore can help solve mysteries. Fred, the main character, with her sweet, but moody, dog Watson will win your hearts as amateur sleuths. I highly recommend this series. I just wish there was a directory for characters and names.

[Isabella ~Mikku-chan~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

This is the second book in the Cozy Corgi Mysteries series by Mildred Abbott and again I had a great, entertaining read with it.

The main heroince, Fred, is again in trouble when this time the local toy store owner's son is lying dead on the floor of the shop. And it's Fred's new friend Katie who is accused of murder or at least a heavy supsect.

The events and the crime case in this book were pretty thrilling and it was a page turner. Again, Fred is doing what she does best: she investigates on her own. Pretty much to the dismay of the the local police office and their detectives.

The characters get within the book more depth and I really enjoyed having a witty heroine like Fred and her adorable companion, her corgi Watson make the book charming, funny and sometimes hilarious. There is also the start of a small romance story in the book, actually Fred is having more than one admirer but she isn't ready for a new relationship yet. We'll see how this will - or will not change - with the next books. I hope we see more of those flirtious scenes. ;)

With the solid crime case, the entertaining writing and the charming, quirky characters, the book deserves the 4 out of 5 stars. :)

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Cozy Corgi is a delightful and cute book. A good read for a stormy day or relaxing at the beach. The cover is again darling and draws into the story at once. It Christmas time in Estes Park, Colorado and Fred has been busy getting her bookstore ready to open in January. Watson accompanied Fred most of the time. He loves to eat people's food and holds grudges if he perceives a wrong. Fred takes timeout to go shopping with Katie. They visited the toy store and Katie finds the owner stabbed and attempted to save his life. Fred feels that trouble is brewing when officer Susan Green arrived. Katie is arrested for the assault. Fred decided she must investigated. How Fred and Watson goe about it will entrain you. Watson provided the clue to solve the case. I HIGHLY recommend the book and series.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woo Hoo…Back with Winnifred and Watson for another mystery in Estes Park.

It’s Christmas and amongst the festivities we have a murder.

Watson…the only thing he likes as much or better than treats is Fred. Something about a dog in the story always tugs at my heartstrings.

Winnifred opening the Cozy Corgi book store is a fun element to the story. Adds a little something extra for me.

Uh Oh, Winnifred can’t even go Christmas shopping without finding a dead body and Officer Green is not exactly on her side.

I am so glad we are adding Katie to the ‘family.’

The quirky characters and humorous dialogue keep me reading this fun series. I would recommend this series if you are looking for some light easy murder mystery reading. And…if you are craving a snack, we have a recipe for Gingerbread to tickle your pallet.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Traitorous Toys by Mildred Abbott.

See more at fundinmental

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second Cozy Corgi mystery, Fred is getting her bookstore ready to open, Christmas is coming, Watson is still shameless about demanding treats, and Fred and Katie find an (almost) dead body in the toy store, bashed over the head with a nutcracker.

In Traitorous Toys, we learn more about the town and its quirky residents, and Fred and Watson become more familiar (and more dear) to the reader. There's the matter of a certain very date-able Sergeant, a hunky Park Ranger, a possible business partner and another fun murder to solve.

There are so many possibilities in this series. What's with Branson's mysterious vacation, why is Carla at the coffee shop so crabby, will Officer Green ever stop her vendetta against Fred and her family, what's up with that pet store owner, what weird invention will Fred's step-brothers-in-law come up with next ..so much to look forward to!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watson is bae.

[Shawna Shaheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fred (Winifred) and Watson a corgi are back. Christmas is coming in this second cozy mystery. Fred is setting up her book shop Cozy Corgi (named after her sweet corgi Watson) Katie Fred's friend from book 1 is helping her set it up. Fred has know her but Katie is secretive. A woman Peg and her husband Joe have a t-shirt shop wants to give Fred some t-shirts to promote her Book Shop. Fred walks into Bushy Evergreen Workshop.Fred could not believe her eyes. It was like a Santa Workshop when you were your young you would believe it was really Santa shop. All kinds of toys from long time ago from Tops, Jack in the box, wooden train sets and stuffed animals expertly hand crafted. The owner was not at all like Santa though. He was young and very handsome. His name was Declan. Then all his kin showed up, and all the names started with a D. Something was strange about them all. Fred, Barry (Fred step father her real father died he was a police officer) Fred mom and her 2 uncles are awesome in this book. And especially Watson the Corgi. Book 2 book is a good one to love all the Christmas parts in it. Will keep on reading this series

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is fast approaching and Estes Park, Colorado is beginning to look a lot like a winter wonderland snow globe scene. Fred Page is looking forward to opening her bookshop soon. She can't wait to see the fireplace going and cozy chairs for sitting and reading. Her friend Katie has been helping unbox and sharing ideas while working at the local coffee shop. Katie's enthusiasm for Christmas has infected even Fred, who never had much family to celebrate with. Fred will be attending a family Christmas dinner with her stepsisters and their families. When Fred discovers the local toy store she is enchanted! The owner isn't bad to look at either but unfortunately his personality is more like the Grinch than Santa. While out shopping with Katie, Fred has to stop to clean up after Watson. She sends Katie along to Bushy Evergreen's Workshop, the toy store, to find something for Fred's nieces and nephews. By the time Fred arrives, Katie is frantically trying to unwrap a fiberglass garland from the neck of the barely breathing shop owner. It seems as if someone tried to kill the man! When Katie is accused, Fred steps in to help save her friend.

I liked this mystery even better than the first. I never guessed the identity of the murderer and was really surprised. Even when Fred found the final clue I never suspected, I didn't want to think it was that person. I thought for sure Fred was wrong. It just seemed preposterous. The motive was too weak for me. I absolutely love the local color. Fred's bookshop sounds like it will be charming and I really want a Cozy Corgi coffee mug for sipping hot chocolate by the fire while reading my new book purchase.

Watson is, of course, my favorite character. He has such personality! Even though he's selective about who he allows to fawn over him and doesn't play nice with other dogs, he's still adorable. I did not like him being in distress in this novel and I knew exactly what he had found. Fred was distracted because her baby was hurting but she too figured it out. I thought she was pretty stupid to act as quickly as she did without waiting for Branson. Other than that I like Fred and relate to her a lot. I figured out why Katie was brooding right away. I am warming up to her and I don't think her research habit is that odd, just the way she presents the information. Actually, that's probably what I sound like to everyone else! Fred's family are insanely funny. I love Barry's blessing. It's sweet and covers all the bases. His sons-in-law are very strange and invent some very um .... unusual products. The kids don't have much personality yet. Fred doesn't know them well enough.

Secondary characters include the police and quirky locals. Officer Green has it out for Fred, her family and her friends for no good reason. Just because Fred's mom and Barry are spaceshots doesn't mean she has to be antagonistic to everyone. I think perhaps there also may be some jealousy towards other females because her boss can't look at her as a desirable woman. Branson is a good cop even if he doesn't always go by the book. However, as a love interest, he creeps me out a bit. He knows Fred isn't ready or interested, but he insists on a date anyway. Leo Lopez, Fred's other romantic interest, seems a bit unusual but kind. I think she should avoid men for now. Paulie, the pet shop owner, is an odd duck. He has a bizarre obsession with Disney's The Little Mermaid that even I find creepy, as much as I love the movie. I do like how he becomes more well rounded once Fred stops avoiding him. His Corgis are majorly spazzy but very cute. The Hansens, who run a log cabin furnishing store, are even more adorable as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I don't like how much she loves to gossip but their interaction with Watson is over the top adorable.

New local characters include Peggy and Joe Singer, owners of an iron-on design shop. Peggy is a bit pushy towards Fred at first but she is creative and has great ideas, even if she doesn't know her dog breeds. Her husband is the strong, silent type and very sweet. At the toy store we have Duncan, Declan, Dolan and Daphne! That's too many D names to keep track of and I got confused. Declan sounds like a real son of a gun. While no one deserves to be murdered, he did deserve to be taken down many many notches. He was cruel to his loving, elderly father and is not nice to his slower brother and is spotted arguing with his wife-all in a space of a few minutes. More secrets are revealed and I conclude this man should not own a toy shop. The rest of the family seemed lovely. We finally meet Gerald, Barry's lawyer, and member of the good 'ol boy club. I HATE the good ol' boy club. Gerald seems as hippieish as Barry and not very competent. He handles too many affairs for too many locals and isn't discreet. Sarah Margaret Beeman is an unseen but important character. Fred keeps getting mail for this woman but no one seems to know who she is-not even Google. (It takes Fred way too long to think of Google). Carla, Katie's boss at the coffee shop, is a major pain. I feel bad for Katie having two horrible bosses in such a short amount of time.

This book didn't quite feel Christmasy to me but I enjoyed it anyway. I like this series a whole lot and will return to it after Christmas when my time is my own to read again. I highly recommend it to cozy mystery dog lovers!

[Jess Wellman · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are very predictable... as in, I knew from the moment we were introduced who the killer was.... but it is so cute and fun. A nice break from intense books. Plus Watson and all the descriptions of corgi life are so realistic, I just giggle at every interaction. I love it.

[Melissa (Weasleyreader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. Very cute and enjoyable read. I think I liked the first one slightly more than this one but these are such easy reads and I’m sure I’ll continue on with this series.

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going to the dogs.

Fred and her Corgi Watson are a pair well matched in helping solve murders in Estes Park. Good characters that I hope to develop more as the series progresses.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first 5, but somehow just skipped this one...?

Because I did skip this one for some reason and then carried on through book 5, I think I already knew some things :)
However, I do really like these stories and characters.
I will continue this series.

[Antisocial Recluse · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for another winner in this new cozy mystery series. Fred is back, using her natural curiosity to solve an unusual murder. Her sidekick, Watson the corgi, is still the star of the series in my opinion! He’s utilized quite cleverly, with his recalcitrant, doggish behavior helping to move the plot along. Trust me, he ain’t Lassie! I do love Fred too, a mature woman with life experiences I can relate to, strong-willed and independent, kind and empathetic but still a flawed human like anyone else. All of the characters in this book, as well as the first, are depicted so realistically, it’s easy to sink right into the story and feel like I could be one of them, or they might live near me. It’s also a nice break from some of the heavy themes I read, lighter and humorous but still stimulating and absorbing.

There were a couple of things that bothered me just a bit, like some missing police procedures I would have expected. Taking the small town setting and undersized police force into account more, would have helped. I’m too pedantic sometimes. I still enjoyed the heck out of it. Can’t wait for the next one. Why doesn’t Branson ever seem to answer his phone? He’s being rather cagey, and I don’t trust him yet. Officer Green needs to be paid back for being a beeyotch sometime, and why can’t Paulie make friends? Future stories look to be quite promising and I also may be forced to go find a corgi rescue group. I want a Watson!

[Robin Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful cozy corgi mystery. The mystery had enough twists that kept me guessing a little each chapter. I just feel closer to Fred every single time we live inside her head. I'm excited with the friendship developing with Katie though I know Fred has been burnt by a friend in her recent past. Branson...I can't get a good read on him yet. Imagine there being something mysterious in a mystery...hmmm. And will we ever figure out what all the issues are with Susan. Was she not hugged enough as a child? This series has sucked me in with its charming ways and Watson's grumpy demeanor. I can't wait for the next book!

[Kara Prem · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the Cozy Corgi series involves the murder of an attractive but horrid toy store owner. Fred's "best friend?" Katie is accused of the crime, but pretty quickly exonerated. Fred still takes it upon herself to investigate, and it seems like just about everyone has a reason to want to see this man dead. I love corgis, and the stories are easy reads, but I really am not sure that I like Fred as a person, she's very judgemental and it makes it hard to pick the book up. So I'm not sure if I'll continue the series or not.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story Fred is Christmas shopping and finds a dying man in the toy shop. At first Katie is accused of the attempted murder but Fred knows she is innocent. She decides to track down who did it and why, while still getting her bookstore ready for opening.
I love these coy mystery stories. Just right for snuggling up under a blanket in front of an open fire.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Good mystery. For once, I couldn't figure it out but it also didn't make a whole lot of sense to me either but not bad.
The love-ish triangle continues but I don't have a great feeling (& I have suspicions) about one of the potential suitors. I'll trust Watson's opinion on this one.
Fun little series.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as the first one. kept me guessing. great writing

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traitorous Toys

I love this cozy series. It’s full of colorful characters and lots more secrets that I can’t wait to discover!

[Paula Dyches · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just as much fun as the first one. Tons of fun, Christmas spirit, hint of romance, with a great mystery to keep up the intrigue. I would definitely recommend this to the cozy mystery readers. The narrator only added to the fun, she did an amazing job. 

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cute & Fun story

I have to admit, I am I love with Watson, the Corgi. This second story in the series was a cute continuation. Unfortunately, it was a bit flatter than the first but still a fun read.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might be all cozied out - this book had a couple things that irk me in a lot of cozy mysteries: inept police officers and best friends or MC being the main murder suspect. I doubt I will be continuing this series.

[Nancy Klarich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing complicated in these books, but just some fun characters solving murders. Nothing gory or scary, just a small town , dog loving, book store owning main character that also gets involved in solving murders. An easy read for a break from life.

[M. White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another murder in Estes Park

This is a well written, well plotted mystery with interesting, evolving characters and an adorably stubborn corgi. This is the second book in the series and I look forward to reading more of Fred and Winston and their adventures.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 and another murder solved. Fred and Watson are settling in nicely as the murders pile up :)

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute cosy mystery with Fred and her Corgi. Lots of bad things happen in this small town! Look forward to seeing what happens in book 3 :)