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To Die For #6
A Secret to Die For
From a USA Today Best Selling Author
Some secrets should stay buried. That's nearly impossible when a Golden Retriever named Fred, with a knack for digging up the truth, shows up with his owner to investigate an accidental drowning. When Jake realizes the drowning is no accident, his new girlfriend starts avoiding him. She's a sheriff deputy and says she doesn't want or need his help, but could she have another motive for keeping him quiet?
Some secrets should stay buried. That's nearly impossible when a Golden Retriever named Fred, with a knack for digging up the truth, shows up with his owner to investigate an accidental drowning. When Jake realizes the drowning is no accident, his new girlfriend starts avoiding him. She's a sheriff deputy and says she doesn't want or need his help, but could she have another motive for keeping him quiet?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2018
1236 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Richard Houston
11 books64 followersRichard is working on his third career. His first was as a carpenter and roofer for twenty years while working his way through college. With a BS in Math he spent the next twenty-five years as a successful software engineer by working on the Space Shuttle at both Vandenberg AFB, and Johnson Space Center. He then went on to start Master Mind SofTools where he developed software for fortune 500 companies.
After taking early retirement in 2007, he moved to Warsaw, Missouri and built a home on the water with a view to die for. Richard now devotes his time to raising his great-grand daughter and writing. He is currently working on the second novel in the Jacob Martin series.
After taking early retirement in 2007, he moved to Warsaw, Missouri and built a home on the water with a view to die for. Richard now devotes his time to raising his great-grand daughter and writing. He is currently working on the second novel in the Jacob Martin series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
June 8, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up. Best character was the dog.
Won't go back and read any earlier books.
Won't go back and read any earlier books.
July 2, 2019
As much as I love Jake, Fred and Bonnie, I had a hard time keep all the characters in this one straight. There were just too many characters, but with too many characters I could not figure out who did what. It's always a plus when I don't figure out the who did it before the end. Richard Houston still gives you the banter between Jake and Bonnie which always makes me laugh. I liked the budding romance between Kellie and Jake and Jake's doubts about it. Overall it's pretty good story just too many characters that are intertwined with each other. I recommend you make a chart at the beginning to keep things straight. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
June 25, 2019
I love this series!
So maybe this book doesn't really deserve five stars, but doggone it, Jake and his dog Fred and their friend Bonnie are likeable characters, as is Jake's new love interest, Kelly. The writing is good, and the plot moves along and keeps your interest. I did notice a few more editing errors in this book, but not enough to be annoying. Not sure how I feel about Jake being in MO and not CO, but growing up in the Midwest, I can appreciate the description of the roller coaster weather. I have now read most of the books in this series and look forward to reading the few remaining. All the books in the series are a fast, enjoyable read and a real.pleasure for us dog lovers. Fred figured prominently in all the ones I have read.
So maybe this book doesn't really deserve five stars, but doggone it, Jake and his dog Fred and their friend Bonnie are likeable characters, as is Jake's new love interest, Kelly. The writing is good, and the plot moves along and keeps your interest. I did notice a few more editing errors in this book, but not enough to be annoying. Not sure how I feel about Jake being in MO and not CO, but growing up in the Midwest, I can appreciate the description of the roller coaster weather. I have now read most of the books in this series and look forward to reading the few remaining. All the books in the series are a fast, enjoyable read and a real.pleasure for us dog lovers. Fred figured prominently in all the ones I have read.
May 29, 2019
Jake is a handyman with a knack for solving crimes. When he's asked to look into what has been ruled an accidental death, he finds that things may be more complicated than anyone could expect.
This was my introduction to this series, so there was by necessity a lot of backstory that I didn't know, but the book also works well enough as a standalone, so don't be afraid to jump in here.
The premise of the series, of handyman-turned-amateur sleuth, is refreshing, and there's a lot that will appeal to the cozy mystery crowd in particular. There's plenty of small town gossip, gentle humor, and the antics of Jake's four-footed friends. A fun book for fans of amateur detectives and animal-themed mystery novels.
This was my introduction to this series, so there was by necessity a lot of backstory that I didn't know, but the book also works well enough as a standalone, so don't be afraid to jump in here.
The premise of the series, of handyman-turned-amateur sleuth, is refreshing, and there's a lot that will appeal to the cozy mystery crowd in particular. There's plenty of small town gossip, gentle humor, and the antics of Jake's four-footed friends. A fun book for fans of amateur detectives and animal-themed mystery novels.
June 12, 2019
Very enjoyable book. It threw me for a loop for a while there when Rob was purportedly shown to be the killer. I could not understand this as there is no way Catherine (his wife) would be involved in it as what happened put her children in serious danger of being killed. No mother is going to do that.
Just for the record, even looking at the diagram shown, could not and cannot figure out how one would deduce the brother and sister thing. I couldn't get any connection from the diagram shown.
Loved all of the characters except for Bonnie. Liking someone who is a loud, foul-mouthed, sarcastic piece of work (and that is a generous description) is beyond me.
In spite of that, I look forward to reading more in this series.
Just for the record, even looking at the diagram shown, could not and cannot figure out how one would deduce the brother and sister thing. I couldn't get any connection from the diagram shown.
Loved all of the characters except for Bonnie. Liking someone who is a loud, foul-mouthed, sarcastic piece of work (and that is a generous description) is beyond me.
In spite of that, I look forward to reading more in this series.
May 29, 2019
Well-written, entertaining clean mystery involving a pet dog, Fred and his owner Jake. Always enjoy a book whereby I learn something - in this case involving computers and electronics. Some romance, however discreet, not really knowing who the culprit is. However, I had difficulty understanding why one of the guilty parties would contact a PI, despite the life insurance, if there was any way they could be implicated. Not smart in the long run. FYI-the name
Kath(e)rine was spelled two ways, just for future editing. Otherwise a quick interesting read that maintained one's interests.
Kath(e)rine was spelled two ways, just for future editing. Otherwise a quick interesting read that maintained one's interests.
May 9, 2019
A fun read
I enjoy this series so very much. All of the novels are a fun read, and this one didn't hesitate to be a quick, nice read. I love Fred, he is a strong character, but not silly, or unrealistic for a dog. My one and only concern is that the editing wasn't exactly first rate, but I can't imagine anyone not liking this book. Mr. Houston does an excellent job with keeping the stories fresh. I am already waiting for the next adventure!!
I enjoy this series so very much. All of the novels are a fun read, and this one didn't hesitate to be a quick, nice read. I love Fred, he is a strong character, but not silly, or unrealistic for a dog. My one and only concern is that the editing wasn't exactly first rate, but I can't imagine anyone not liking this book. Mr. Houston does an excellent job with keeping the stories fresh. I am already waiting for the next adventure!!
June 7, 2019
Being a dog lover and a mystery enthusiast I felt embedded in the story all the way. I loved the humor that made me laugh out loud which made my family think I was loosing it. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is an animal lover and enjoys a good who done it.
This Book is humorous and easy reading focused around mystery and love of animals. I highly recommend as a pleasant read.
This Book is humorous and easy reading focused around mystery and love of animals. I highly recommend as a pleasant read.
June 26, 2021
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
Yeah, a real suspect death, just surprising it didn't kill more people.
However, the clues just keep on coming, and thankfully our amateur detective, is tech savory and his canine offside can locate stuff in mud, where even a metal detector struggles to locate the goods.
Yeah, interesting how bits and pieces can be found and put into the right places, to make a complete picture.
Yeah, a real suspect death, just surprising it didn't kill more people.
However, the clues just keep on coming, and thankfully our amateur detective, is tech savory and his canine offside can locate stuff in mud, where even a metal detector struggles to locate the goods.
Yeah, interesting how bits and pieces can be found and put into the right places, to make a complete picture.
July 26, 2018
A fun read
I got hooked on this series, and kinda sad that there's not another one available yet. I would classify these books as feel good easy reading, just for pure enjoyment. They're a nice switch from some of the many more serous murder mysteries l pick-up. I highly recommend this series.
I got hooked on this series, and kinda sad that there's not another one available yet. I would classify these books as feel good easy reading, just for pure enjoyment. They're a nice switch from some of the many more serous murder mysteries l pick-up. I highly recommend this series.
October 3, 2018
Another good read.
This time around, Jake is repairing Bonnie & Margo's family homestead.
He is also employed to find evidence that an accident, was in fact a murder.
Needless to say Freddie & Bonnie are there to help him. Sheriff's deputy, Kelly is blowing hot & cold, Jake is totally confused about her feelings towards him.
This time around, Jake is repairing Bonnie & Margo's family homestead.
He is also employed to find evidence that an accident, was in fact a murder.
Needless to say Freddie & Bonnie are there to help him. Sheriff's deputy, Kelly is blowing hot & cold, Jake is totally confused about her feelings towards him.
May 28, 2019
A cozy mystery set in the Ozarks featuring a jack-of-all-trades handyman/contractor, a 70 something woman privy to all the local gossip, and a loveable dog named Fred as unlikely companions in solving crimes. The majority of the characters were related to each other or had at one time been married to each other. These relationships made the mystery more difficult to solve, but also left me frustrated at times, trying to keep them straight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
Who’s lying
Another good book with Jake, Bonnie and Fred. They’ve all been away from Colorado for quite some time. Jake is fixing up the house Bonnie’s sister Margot bought and trying to solve a murder. There are too many suspects and plenty of twists to go around. Jake has fallen for the beautiful detective he met and wants to marry her. Murder solved of course, house is finally finished and Jake is ready to go home to Colorado until an unexpected offer comes in.
Another good book with Jake, Bonnie and Fred. They’ve all been away from Colorado for quite some time. Jake is fixing up the house Bonnie’s sister Margot bought and trying to solve a murder. There are too many suspects and plenty of twists to go around. Jake has fallen for the beautiful detective he met and wants to marry her. Murder solved of course, house is finally finished and Jake is ready to go home to Colorado until an unexpected offer comes in.
May 28, 2019
When I started this book, I did not realize it was the 6th in a series. Decided to try it and decide if I would purchase the rest. I will not be doing that.
The plot was good. But, this book cannot stand alone. There were too many things it was assumed the reader knew from reading the rest of the series. Unless you plan to start this series at the beginning, do not read it.
The plot was good. But, this book cannot stand alone. There were too many things it was assumed the reader knew from reading the rest of the series. Unless you plan to start this series at the beginning, do not read it.
May 29, 2019
This tale kept me interested with all it's twists and turns.
A well constructed story that never gave the ending away til the last page. The work does need a better proofreader to catch the missing words and incomplete sentences here and there, without the occasional errors it would have made a five star rating. I will be looking for more of his writing.
A well constructed story that never gave the ending away til the last page. The work does need a better proofreader to catch the missing words and incomplete sentences here and there, without the occasional errors it would have made a five star rating. I will be looking for more of his writing.
June 3, 2019
Loved it
I enjoyed this book. Jake and Bonnie (and Fred the dog) are searching for a murderer. Some of the earlier books had foul language and a lot of drinking beer and even giving it to Fred. I appreciate that those things don’t happen in the book. The only person who drinks heavily is Bonnie and it is clear she has a problem. Rated PG
I enjoyed this book. Jake and Bonnie (and Fred the dog) are searching for a murderer. Some of the earlier books had foul language and a lot of drinking beer and even giving it to Fred. I appreciate that those things don’t happen in the book. The only person who drinks heavily is Bonnie and it is clear she has a problem. Rated PG
June 10, 2019
This was a delightful mystery, so many twists and turns and solved by an amateur sleuth. One of the main characters was a dog named Fred. Fred added a lot to the plot and had a lot of character. There were quite a few characters and sometimes it was difficult to keep track of all of them and their role, but still a great read.
July 8, 2019
Ok cozy mytery
An easy to read cozy mystery that doesn't over tax one's brain. There are a few minor editing issues but not enough to detract from the storyline which is a little juvenile at times. Fred "the dog" must be quite obese what with all the people food treats given to him throughout the crime solving..
An easy to read cozy mystery that doesn't over tax one's brain. There are a few minor editing issues but not enough to detract from the storyline which is a little juvenile at times. Fred "the dog" must be quite obese what with all the people food treats given to him throughout the crime solving..
July 10, 2019
Main characters are likeable but there were too many weird relationship things to keep straight. The listing of characters at the beginning even seemed an admission of "You'll never keep these straight". And past that everything felt heavy handed. I felt like I was getting wink wink nudge nudged the entire book.
November 11, 2019
Twisted mystery story!
This book is wonderful, and I love the dog’s part in it. The mystery is a murder mystery, but all the suspects are related, as in ex-wives, ex-husbands, and brothers and sisters-in-law. A very confusing tangle that doesn’t get solved until the last few pages. No peeking at the back pages now!
This book is wonderful, and I love the dog’s part in it. The mystery is a murder mystery, but all the suspects are related, as in ex-wives, ex-husbands, and brothers and sisters-in-law. A very confusing tangle that doesn’t get solved until the last few pages. No peeking at the back pages now!
December 23, 2019
Fred a woman type dog, uncovers drowning was really murder
Jake working on the old homestead, and thinking this woman wanted some carpentry done. Instead to prove her husband was murder. Interesting and a nice audio with good narration by Tom Taverna. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Jake working on the old homestead, and thinking this woman wanted some carpentry done. Instead to prove her husband was murder. Interesting and a nice audio with good narration by Tom Taverna. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
January 11, 2023
A secret to die for
A Secret to Die For was an enjoyable read. The author made the characters very likable and the scenery vivid. The ending was surprising as all book endings should be. It's a fun book for those of us who love animals, especially dogs and who enjoy light mysteries.
A Secret to Die For was an enjoyable read. The author made the characters very likable and the scenery vivid. The ending was surprising as all book endings should be. It's a fun book for those of us who love animals, especially dogs and who enjoy light mysteries.
February 10, 2023
surprising ending
Jake, Bonnie and Fred once again set out to find a killer. After being hired to reopen a cold case Jake and Fred must use their intellect and imagination to find the true killer. This book is slightly different than the others but was a refreshing change. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who love mystery and dogs.
Jake, Bonnie and Fred once again set out to find a killer. After being hired to reopen a cold case Jake and Fred must use their intellect and imagination to find the true killer. This book is slightly different than the others but was a refreshing change. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who love mystery and dogs.
September 5, 2023
Another twister of characters, that had motive, evidence against them...
This series has gotten better and better. Love Fred, Jake is just a Murphys law person.never goes as planned. .but can him and Fred get this mystery solved? Will Jake finally find a love like he had with Julie?
This series has gotten better and better. Love Fred, Jake is just a Murphys law person.never goes as planned. .but can him and Fred get this mystery solved? Will Jake finally find a love like he had with Julie?
November 24, 2018
A Secret to Die For
Another great read by Richard Houston and his sleuthing dog, Fred! The main characters are assisted in their murder solving by a Golden Retriever, named Fred, who keeps finding clues that human eyes and noses miss!
Another great read by Richard Houston and his sleuthing dog, Fred! The main characters are assisted in their murder solving by a Golden Retriever, named Fred, who keeps finding clues that human eyes and noses miss!
May 29, 2019
I fell in love with Fred
A great mystery. It surprised me. Several of the characters were not as they appeared to be. Which led me to conclusions that weren't true. Maybe you can figure it out
A great mystery. It surprised me. Several of the characters were not as they appeared to be. Which led me to conclusions that weren't true. Maybe you can figure it out
May 29, 2019
Interesting story plot
Enjoyed the story line and the characters. Bonnie adds spice to the story with her wit. These books are enjoyable with Jake the dog pitching in on the mysteries being played out.
Enjoyed the story line and the characters. Bonnie adds spice to the story with her wit. These books are enjoyable with Jake the dog pitching in on the mysteries being played out.
May 29, 2019
Another good read in this series!
Having already read "A Book" & "A View" (to die for), I jumped right in when I saw this one (on either Bookbub or Kindle buffet)! It didn't disappoint. So far, though they've been far between, these books are stand-alone stories which I like.
Having already read "A Book" & "A View" (to die for), I jumped right in when I saw this one (on either Bookbub or Kindle buffet)! It didn't disappoint. So far, though they've been far between, these books are stand-alone stories which I like.
June 1, 2019
Fun read
This is the last book in the series, but the first I’ve read by this author. It was a fun whodunnit with a little clean romance, a few twists, a helpful dog named Fred, who steals the show, and more.
This is the last book in the series, but the first I’ve read by this author. It was a fun whodunnit with a little clean romance, a few twists, a helpful dog named Fred, who steals the show, and more.
June 1, 2019
Very good
This is the first book I've read from this author and I enjoyed it very much. I love the characters, especially Fred and Tigger, and there were enough twists to the mystery that kept it interesting. Bonnie is a hoot!
This is the first book I've read from this author and I enjoyed it very much. I love the characters, especially Fred and Tigger, and there were enough twists to the mystery that kept it interesting. Bonnie is a hoot!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews