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Cozy Corgi #3

Bickering Birds

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Rocky Mountain National Park has it rugged peaks, pine-scented forests, enchanting bird-watching locations, and… murder.The Cozy Corgi bookshop finally opens, and Winifred Page and her headstrong corgi, Watson, are ready to welcome their first patrons. With her new best friend, Katie, creating heavenly pastries in the bakery on the top floor of the store, Fred’s dreams are all coming together in delicious and unexpected ways. When Katie caters a meeting of the Feathered Friends Brigade and drags Fred along, they expect nothing more than loquacious chatter about birds as they endeavor to build a professional relationship with the owner of the wild bird shop. Fred and Katie are quickly roped into a moonlight snowshoeing hike in hopes of spotting a rare owl. While the endangered bird proves elusive… the murdered man in the snow is hard to miss. Fred’s growing relationship with Sergeant Wexler hits a snag when he forbids her from donning her sleuth hat yet again. But Fred is a lot like her corgi—she doesn’t like being told what to do, even if it puts an end to a possible romance. As Fred and Watson delve into the lives of the ornithological club members, the tangled birds’ nest of an investigation makes Fred wonder if she should have left this one to the police. But when feathers begin to fly, Fred has no choice but to flush out a killer…(This culinary cozy mystery includes a recipe for delectable ham and cheese croissants.)

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 23, 2018

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About the author

Mildred Abbott

56 books370 followers
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
Profile Image for Carole (Carole's Random Life).
1,938 reviews606 followers
October 29, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

This was a great installment in the series! This is the third book in the Cozy Corgi Mystery series but it could easily be read as a stand-alone. Readers of the series will enjoy catching up with all of the great characters in this small town. I have been listening to the series in order and had a pretty good idea what I could expect when I started this book and it completely delivered. I ended up listening to almost the entire book in a single day just because I was having such a good time with it.

Fred and Katie are finally getting their bookshop/bakery open. The grand opening is largely a success, although there are a few uncomfortable moments. When the town's bird lover's group comes into the store a chain of events begins that have a great impact on a lot of people. Fred and Katie are there when one of the members of the group is murdered. Of course, Fred feels like she needs to figure out what really happened.

The mystery in this book kept me guessing. I thought that there were a few more surprises in this book as compared to the previous books in the series. I felt like I was right there with Fred trying to figure out who was responsible. I loved the fact that this book was able to completely change my opinion of a character or two over the course of the story.

Angie Hickman does such a good job with this series. I think that the voices she uses for all of the characters in town are very well done and reflect each character's personality. She reads the story at the perfect pace and includes the right amount of emotion in her reading. I think that the narration of the story increased my overall enjoyment of the story.

I would recommend this book to others. I am having a great time with Fred, Watson, and their friend Katie as they try to solve all of the murders that seem to be happening around them. I cannot wait to read more of this fun 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 fun! Fred, Katie, and Watson are finally opening their bookshop/bakery. The town's bird club does make some noise at the opening but Fred handles it very well. On an outing with the bird club, one of the members is killed and Fred is on the case even though she is asked to stay out of it. This one kept me guessing and I was never exactly sure who was responsible. The narrator did a fantastic job with the story which only added to my overall enjoyment.
Profile Image for Laura Thomas.
1,552 reviews108 followers
November 10, 2018
I’ve been waiting for The Cozy Corgi to open. And I know it can’t be anything but a smashing success. With Fred making it all cozy and packing it with books, to Katie using the upstairs for her bakery, filling the building with mouth watering aromas, how could it not be. Opening night and the place is packed. The opening is a big success and Katie even got hired to cater a meeting of the Feathered Friends Brigade. Fred and Katie go with the group on a moonlight bird watching expedition. They don’t see any birds, but they do find a dead body. One of the members lies dead and there’s no lack of suspects. Time for Fred to get back to sleuthing.

I loved how the author showed me The Cozy Corgi. I could see it in all it’s glory. And I swear I could smell some of Katie’s delicious Lemon Bars and homemade bread. But, back to the case. This time Fred isn’t a suspect, or a witness. She just happens to be in the vicinity of the murder. But she jumps right in and starts to investigate, even though Sergeant Branson and Officer Susan Green are adamant she stay out of it. Fred cracks me up. She gets all twitchy and just can’t help herself. She has to see if she can solve the case. Even if she’ll have to face the ire of Susan. The two never hit it off. Something about Fred causes her to act like she has a burr under her saddle.

Watson is his usual grumpy, adorable self. I was thinking and came to the realization that he actually does sniff out clues. They might not seem relevant at the time but they do later. And all he asks for in return is a bite of your scone or a nice big dog biscuit.

And Watson isn’t the only one that helps Fred investigate. Katie wants in, and Fred’s mom and stepdad, along with her uncles, know all of the latest gossip. Funny what you can discover just by eavesdropping. And you know what they say about small towns… everyone knows everyone else’s business.

Fred and Watson are on the case. The list of suspects is long. Romance has taken a back burner this time. Kind of. And there’s plenty of laughs. I’m having such a great time with these character’s and already reading Savage Sourdough, the next book.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Profile Image for Shawna Shaheen.
332 reviews24 followers
March 20, 2021
Fred (Winifred and Watson the corgi are back. In book 3 Fred has a grand opening of her bookshop Cozy Corgi dedicated to her corgi Watson. Katie has a bakery right upstairs. Fred decided to have as a business partner with baked goods (and some treats for Watson) Fred has to admirers Brandon ( a police officer) and Leo ( a park ranger) Mytle is a Feather Friends Brigade for domestic birds club. They had members in there people the members thought were poaching, and not really into the birds. 2 of the members got killed. What ties them both to that got them killed. I always have wanted a corgi and I love Watson. This is series by Mildred Abbott are great cozy reads
Profile Image for Anna's Herding Cats.
1,274 reviews319 followers
January 30, 2019
“Yeah, you’re a little annoying, but I like you. I like you.”

bwahaha that kind of fits Fred to a T. I'm enjoying her adventures but she also makes me shake my head sometimes because the lady is stubborn and tenacious!

The Gist: A moonlit walk through the forests with a bunch of bird-people and...someone getting their throat slit. Oh. My.

Fred is a character. She's rather set in her ways, stubborn, can be ornery when provoked. But she's got a good heart, loves fiercely, is determined and curious, too. She's a fun heroine. And so is her side-kick Watson the grumpy Corgi.

I'm enjoying seeing Fred settle into her life. Meeting new friends, dealing with some suitors even though she's...off men, seeing her bookstore finally open. It's a lovely little life she's creating other than all the dead bodies that keep showing up.

The mystery was well done. I hadn't figured it all out though I had some ideas. It kept me guessing and curious and that's all I ask, really.

All in all, another fun adventure with Fred and Watson. These are easy reads and just hit the spot.
3,925 reviews1,763 followers
February 22, 2022
Aaaannnnnddddd the dratted love triangle is still alive and well, thank you very much. (not!) Gah, but I am so not a fan of the dreaded LT that seem to dog our cozies (no offence, Watson.) BUT, I can't resist a corgi cozy -- there aren't many of them out there. And I love this small town set next to a National Park and the murder is intriguing, the plot fast-paced while still keeping up with that cozy charm. My only complaint is that Fred (Winifred) seems to botching up in the romance department. I know who I'm in favour of (though Watson doesn't seem to agree with me, which makes me nervous.) Sigh, I shall put my brave face on and dive into the fourth book, praying that the you-know-what is finally resolved once and for all.
Profile Image for CrabbyPatty.
1,712 reviews194 followers
January 24, 2018
This third book in the Cozy Corgi Mysteries series is enjoyable and a fun light read, but it's not my favorite of the series so far. The mystery is compelling and there are suspects galore, but in contrast to the first two books, Fred and Watson have no personal connection to the victim, so it was a bit harder to get really invested in the plot.

I like how the character development continues here and we get more insights into the quirky interesting people in Fred's circle of friends and fellow shop-owners. I like how the author continues to play Leo and Branson against each other for Fred's affections and look forward to the next book in this cozy series! 4 stars.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,409 reviews95 followers
August 15, 2022
I could not continue. There is just too much of everything, dog, murder, horrendous people in this town...just everything got on my nerves. I made it to chapter 3.
Profile Image for Gabbi Grey.
Author 81 books265 followers
February 20, 2018
Fred and Watson are on the case – 4.5 stars

“…a bull elk stared at me from less than thirty feet away, its seemingly limitless pointed antlers forming a crown above its head…it huffed a steaming breath and then moved on, only then did I notice another five or six farther back in the trees.”

This is why I keep going back to Mildred Abbott’s Corgi cozy books. I’m enamoured with Estes, Colorado. Bookshop owner Fred and her sidekick Corgi, Watson, are back at their antics. Fred has finally opened her bookstore, being the centre of attention at opening, although it is Katie’s baking that is really roping people in. Fred’s two potential suitors show up. Sergeant Brandon Wexler has taken Fred out several times on evenings that could be considered ‘dates’ while wildlife officer Leo Lopez has indicated he might have some interest in spending more time with Fred.

As Fred observes after the two men greeted each other, “It was such a male thing to do. Almost like two bighorn sheep I’d seen on a drive in the park the other day, each circling and measuring each other. With any luck, Branson and Leo wouldn’t end the meeting with a skull-crushing head-butt.”

An interesting image. I am reminded of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. And I want to see Leo and Branson as Ranger and Joe Morelli, but cozy series are tamer. A little action in the romance department wouldn’t hurt, though, and hopefully that will happen in subsequent books.

The actual mystery was interesting, mixing the discussion of wildlife versus keeping pets. Myrtle, the head of the birdwatching group, talks passionately about how even the most beautiful bird cage is still just that – a cage. We, as a society, have decided that owning domesticated pets is acceptable. As society’s view of the environment changes, so does our view of animals. Circuses are shutting down and zoos and aquariums are facing more scrutiny. Humans are driving the extinction of animals and this book is a quiet commentary on how nature should be respected and revered.

Of course there has to be a murder to solve. And despite being asked to not get involved, Fred does. There is lots of humour in the book and I’m glad I read it. Another one is on its way and I look forward to the growth and emotional arc of this character. I am hoping for more personal growth.

And, of course, I continue to be a Watson fan.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
October 13, 2018
The open house for the grand opening of the Cozy Corgi Bookstore is a rousing success. All of the neighbors, shop keepers and many customers came out to celebrate, get to know the store and bakery.
Among the guests is the local bird club, for the protection of and preservation of bird species.
Referred to as "Myrtle and her disciples" this group of eclectic individuals all have their quirks.
Each seems to have their own agenda for belonging to this exclusive club.
Myrtle is not easy to like, but Katie and her talent for trivia make a favorable impression, ensuring that Fred and Katie are welcome at birding events. Unfortunately it is at one of these events that a member is murdered.
Fred's decision to start a fresh life closer to family has been marred by several murders.
She is making an impression on local law officers, as well as a park ranger.
It is a good thing she has Watson by her side.
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,938 reviews29 followers
June 1, 2022
Fred is annoying but in a fun way. It’s been fun watching her settle into her life, open her bookstore, connect with her family and the other store owners anddd solve murders. Unfortunately the dumb love triangle troupe is still going, even though Fred has sworn off men 😒😒. I mean come on, Sgt Wexler is condescending, arrogant, rude, a jerk, and a show off, sooo why is there a love triangle??? On the other hand Leo is none of those things and Watson loves him! Again.. why are we still in this dumb trope?? Ughhh

Anyway, a moonlit birdwatching trip results in murder, one that Dumb dumb Wexler forbids Fred to get involved in. Of course that’s waving a red flag in front of a bull, because Fred is having none of that and proceeds to throw herself into solving the case. Leo is featured a bit more in this book helping her to solve the murder. The Cozy Corgi bookstore is up and running, Katie’s bake shop is a hit, and Anna’s adoration of Watson is soooo cute :) a solid 4 stars.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews100 followers
October 25, 2019
I thought it might be a toss up as to who would get done in from the lead in. Not the persnickety head of the birders club, but the cantankerous coot with the paranoia. WiniFred is the bookshop owner with a history of solving local murders and a thorn to the local law enforcement as well as anyone with something to hide. Watson, her grumpy corgi is sidekick and comic relief. All the characters certainly are and are well portrayed by author and narrator Angie Hickman (who does a great job!). Excellently wrought mystery!
I won the audiobook in a giveaway! I really win!
1,769 reviews23 followers
March 2, 2022
Bickering Birds

I can't believe all the amazing different mysterys one author can bring forth from one little mountain town but Mildred Abbott's mind is an amazing thing she is a writer of such high caliber and quality. If you enjoy cozey mysterys with mayhem and murder you will fall in love with this authors stories. Acquire " Bickering Birds " today and the earlier books from this series for hours of enjoyable mystery entertainment. 😀 Kat
Profile Image for Renee.
316 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2020
Cute, Fun a quick Entertaining Read

My favorite line, thus far: “Fred. You can unfreeze enough to remind Watson he’s a corgi not a German shepherd.”
I am beginning to realize I have new addiction .... the Cozy Corgi Mysteries.
Profile Image for Nola Arganbright.
1,592 reviews32 followers
June 22, 2019
Watching for birds is dangerous

A very fun and exciting read. There are many interesting fact about birds as well as constant action in this book. There is also a yummy recipe includes in each book from Katie's bakery.
Profile Image for Cherie.
1,044 reviews45 followers
November 30, 2022
3.5 stars

Another cosy mystery - this time involving the town's bird watching club! Who would think there would be so much drama there - but there was! Fun story :)
Profile Image for Nancy Klarich.
158 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2023
Another quick but fun read about murder and muster in Estes Park. I just love reading about Fred, her bookstore, and of course her Corgi. These stories are who-dunnit tales with characters that you come to know and love. So much murder for such a quaint town outside of RMNP
Profile Image for Oleander .
452 reviews26 followers
January 24, 2024
I enjoyed this third story in the Cozy Corgi series. Fred can't control her curiosity when a murder happens among the members of the Bird Watchers Club. I liked the investigation of each member has a possible suspect. There is a lot of tension between Branson and Fred since he pushes Fred to stay out of the investigation. Fred turns to Leo for help and the romantic triangle is in full swing. The story is not primarily a romance and there is no sexual activity, it is just the pull of attraction between Fred and the two handsome officers. Watson is of course at Fred's side helping with the investigation.
Profile Image for Laura.
588 reviews
October 28, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 3rd book in the Cozy Corgi Mysteries. I have not read the previous two books in this series and found that I had no problem following along. However, numerous references are made to events which had occurred in the previous two novels. While you don't have to read the prior books before reading this one to enjoy it, it is clear that a lot of character development occurred in the prior two novels - for instance, the main character Fred (a woman) had been married, got divorced, and started dating during the course of the other books. That notwithstanding, I still enjoyed this book.

Here, Fred has just opened a business with her partner Katie -- a bookstore with a bakery. At the opening, they meet Mildred, the head of the Feathered Friends Brigade - a bird aficionado club. Through the course of Fred's and Katie's dealings with Feathered Friends, one of the members is murdered. While Fred is initially a bit reluctant to become involved in the investigation, it does not take much encouragement for her to begin her own investigation.

I really enjoyed the descriptive imagery of the park and the relationships between the characters plus there is a possible love triangle brewing. Mostly, I liked Fred's interactions with her Corgi Watson and Watson's involvement in the case. Overall, the book was a fun way to spend an afternoon. All of this has certainly piqued my interest to read the first two books and continue with this series.

I listened to this book -- the narrator, Angie Hickman, does a great job and made listening to this book an entertaining experience.
Profile Image for April.
2,201 reviews58 followers
October 28, 2018
Bickering Birds
Cozy Corgi Mysteries
By: Mildred Abbott

Book 3 in the Cozy Corgi Series. Fred and Watson are back with bird watching disciples, local business owners, and law officers all mixing together. When one of the bird watchers is murdered, most everyone becomes a suspect. There are lots of twists efore the solving of the crime. A quick, fun listen.



The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Angie Hickman breathes life into the story.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
324 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2018
Fred, Watson and the rest of the Estes Park Community come together again to solve another mystery, this time involving human and feathered birds, as they enjoy the opening of the Cozy Corgi and getting to know each other. Watson seems to be more of a hit than Fred but who wouldn't love a Corgi who enjoys people and food to the fullest. Looking forward to another kick back relaxing fun mystery.
Profile Image for Suzan.
1,644 reviews17 followers
October 27, 2018
This is book 3 in the Corgi Cozy Mystery. I am so enjoying this fun series. Fred (Winfred ) is someone I would enjoy meeting. Her love of dogs and her love of mysteries would interest me. I love Sherlock such a cute corgi with a great personality. I am also a big fan of Angie Hickman as her narration is very good. Can't wait until the next book comes out. I was gifted this book by the author with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashley Dawn.
Author 41 books81 followers
October 17, 2018
These books are so entertaining! This is the third in the series and you really should read them in order so you know everything going on. I've fallen in love with the characters Mildred Abbott has created. Reading this series is truly fun and each shows character growth/change. Fred's store is open and life is going well. Then, of course, there is a dead body.
I like the two guys who are interested in Fred. They are different and I'm curious which, if either, she will wind up actually choosing. There are plenty of laughs in this one and Watson is still my favorite! I do love the descriptions and animals through these books and cannot wait to see what happens next to these crazy characters.
It was a 4/5 for me.


Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via PumpUp Your Book). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Profile Image for June Price.
Author 7 books81 followers
October 16, 2018
Gotta love the corgi connection

Although Fred, or Winifred, tends to annoy me a bit with her pushy investigations, I find myself enjoying the story and looking forward to the next. While Fred’s quest for the truth is admirable, she often seems to be prickly and a bit smug when she is inevitably proven right. Yet, she is likable.

So why do I enjoy this series so much? Maybe partly because it’s a fun, easy read. Also, while Fred seems a trifle predictable, the growth of the other characters and her relationship with them makes me curious to see how these relationships my change Fred as the series goes along. Romantic possibilities are already showing us another side of Fred and allowing a glimpse of how past events have affected her.

Finally, I not only love dogs but corgis in particular. Nor is it given magical powers or the ability to talk, but is still written as an important, yet dog like role in the solving of the mystery. All in all, the series is growing on me and an easy, fun read. My own corgi, Daisy, gives the entire series a paws up vote.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 2 books37 followers
October 16, 2018
Fred is ready to fulfill her dream (and one of my own!) of opening her bookstore. She's getting settled into her new life by making friends and discovering love interests. While mingling with her new best friend at a catering event, they discover that a bird watch member has been murdered. There are a lot of murders going on in Estes Park -- I would probably be scared to leave. But despite the insistence for Fred to sit on the sidelines, she continues to press on to get to the bottom of the mystery. She discovers there is a lot of illegal and dangerous things going on behind the scenes. Watson plays his role in being a faithful companion as well as strong and brave. I am starting to fall in love with the Corgi breed (don't tell my boys because they want one!)

I received a copy of the book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Victoria Smiser.
83 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2018
2018 is off to a great beginning thanks to Mildred Abbott.
Leave it to Mildred Abbott to draw us in again to the Cozy Corgi and Winifred’s world with another great read.
At last Fred’s book store, named of course, after her Corgi sidekick Watson is ready to open. Seeing the shop through the eyes of strangers, Fred falls a little more in love with it and again realizes that her ‘reset’ was perfect timing. The bakery on the upper level is filled with butter and vanilla rich pastries and coffees to order, freshly baked by her new best friend Katie. The grand opening finds the unique and engaging local characters, including her outlandish family, welcoming Fred’s book store. Katie’s offerings from the bakery are another wonderful reason to applaud Fred’s bookstore. The two eligible men in town make an appearance, much to Fred’s wary feeling of unease around them.
To bond with Myrtle Bantam, the owner of the local wild bird shop, who is also the president of the Fathered Friends Brigade, Fred, Katie and the Leo the handsome Park Ranger agree to a moonlight snowshoe hike in hope of spotting a rare owl. Despite the beautiful scenery and a heard of tranquil Elk, Fred and Katie are first on the scene of a murdered club member. The police are not surprised to find Fred there, as this is the third murder since she has arrived in the mountain town which was sleeping quietly until the summer visitor rush. Of course, Fred is highly curious to find the person who would have silently killed a member of the club while surrounded by a dozen hikers. Surprised at the rivalry of the members there also seems to be an undercurrent of blatant gossip and finger-pointing.
Despite being warned by Detective Branson to let the police do their work. Fred begins to ask questions of the locals and finds an unusual silver Kakapo bird pin, poachers, false alibies, an unrequited lover, and an unbelievable rainforest tucked away in the mountain town.
As expected, Watson is our hero, as he plays a German Shepherd to stop the suspect and his trusty Corgi nose solves a mystery. Extra treats for Watson! This is another ‘must read’ in the Cozy Corgi series, engaging, and engrossing to read, sprinkled with laughs, and of course those pastries.
99 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2018
Review by Gloria Lakritz Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild

4*****Stars

Book: Bickering Birds
Series: Cozy Corgi Mysteries #3
Author: Mildred Abbott
Publisher: Wings of Ink Publications
Genre: Mystery
Rated: All Ages
Page Count:
Release: January 26, 2017

This is the third book of Mildred Abbott’s Murder Mystery Series and again it doesn’t disappoint a bit. Our winter weather has been very cold since the Christmas Holidays and I find curling up and reading these short mysteries very appealing on a winter afternoon.

Winifred (Fred) for short has moved to Estes Park Colorado. The path was not easy, a divorce, a lost business. She has family in this town, a mom, step dad and two uncles. Reading and books have always been important to her, her business had been publishing. Her Dad now deceased was a police detective and murder and mysteries have always been in her blood. Coming along with her to Colorado is her spoiled Corgi named Watson. No pun Sherlock!

We the readers are beginning to see the town depicted in this small town where everyone knows everyone! . The shop Fred’s new book store “The Cozy Corgi’ has finally been decorated, floors gleaming with alcoves of seating areas with small fireplaces for customers to sit or browse. The warm smell of baking wafts down to her main level, as her friend and now partner Katie makes wonderful delights in the new bakery upstairs.

But the bodies have been mounting since Winifred hit town and the handsome police officer Branson Wexler is a bit put out at having Fred one step ahead of he and his staff. Having gone to dinner a few times, Fred and he have started rumors, but our Fred is too independent to ever have a man Tell her what to do….Is their trouble on that horizon?

I have questions of my own that still remain unanswered and Im sure Ms. Abott is saving them for another time. Till then The Bickering Birds was another good read and I look forward to more.







60 reviews
October 19, 2018
Enjoyed it!

So far, so good. These books are consistently entertaining. Can't wait to start the next one! I recommend this series.
Profile Image for Kirby Manning.
39 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2018
The Mysteries Continue...

This is a part of the series about the adventures of the main character as she starts her life over. In previous books her life was disrupted by divorce and a business partnership that went south. One would be devastating to deal with but both situations combined with the death of her father led to her decision to move closer to her mother and family. The author grew up reading Nancy Drew Mysteries as I did. She's created believable characters and all those relationships intertwine as she opens her bookstore and adds a Bakery. These new beginnings lead to the realization that all is not as peaceful in a small town that caters to tourists. This is my 4th book in the series and I'm enjoying watching the storyline grow and the characters develop. There's only one character that I don't particularly like but that's intentional on the part of the author. In every good mystery has to be an antagonist, an the female policewoman is that individual we have all met that is a pain.
This story continues the storyline that began in the first book, the problem of poaching valuable birds that are near extinction. The characters become involved once again in a murder and intrigue. The mystery of the Poachers will continue in the next story. I live in a National Forest so I can relate to the need to save encroachment of civilization into the habitats of animals. I enjoy learning new things about about the lives of the characters and each book opens a window into their life an like real life there is always those areas that have left a wound to their soul that became the catalyst in the decisions that brought them to this town and their life choices. Watson the Corgi is all personality and the star. All the individuals who own shops in the town become intertwined in each story....
Enjoy meeting them as you read this series....
Profile Image for QNPoohBear.
3,583 reviews1,562 followers
January 3, 2019
Fred Page is eager and nervous to open her new bookstore The Cozy Corgi. Her Corgi sidekick, Watson, is less than impressed with the books but adores the treats coming out of the bakery upstairs. Fred's friend Katie has also finally accomplished her dream of running her own bakery. In fact the bakery does better business than the bookstore. Fred is also nervous about her two sort-of boyfriends coming to the store opening. A detective and national park ranger, the men just don't get along. Their animosity goes beyond Fred. She's not looking for love right now but if she were, her partner must love the same books and allow her to be independent. Then Fred has a run-in with the local bird shop owner, Miss Myrtle Bantam, whose passion for birds is as strong as Katie's for baking. To make things right with Myrtle, Fred offers up free food from the bakery and Katie lands a catering gig. While attending Myrtle's bid club meeting with the food, Katie unerringly earns Myrtle's praise and the enmity one of the other members of the group. Henry is dismissed as a cranky naysayer who accuses everyone of everything including poaching. Soon Henry turns up dead in the national park! It seems as if he may have been on to something with his accusations. The locals all assume Fred will investigate and solve the murder. Fred assumes otherwise until Branson Wexler not so politely tells Katie to stay out. Katie refuses to be told what to do by anyone, especially a man! Can she solve the case once again?

I didn't like this book as much as the first two. I was excited to enter the bookshop and see it finally open. Only the very beginning of the novel takes place in the shop and one other scene later on. Katie spends all of her time investigating the mystery of Henry's murder. She even spends more time in Katie's bakery than down in the shop. I didn't get why she would leave her shop and the bakery in the ends of a brand new employee she only just met a few days before. I also didn't like Katie's childish reaction to Branson's request. He's a policeman, she's a civilian. It seems pretty simple. Intellectually she knows that but her hackles are up and she's hopping mad. Nosiness is an OK trait in a cozy mystery heroine but childishness is not.

The murder is difficult to solve. I could not guess who murdered Henry. Why seemed obvious until all was revealed. I actually wasn't totally surprised at who and why but everything else that was revealed came as a huge surprise. The killer is absolutely insane, not to mention creepy.

The secondary characters really make this series come to life. Watson is, as always, adorable in his cranky, standoffish way. He knows what he wants- treats- and how to get them- guilty looks at "mom" and allowing people to pet him. Watson's choice of people he loves is unique. At one point in the story, Watson is just so sweet and lovely. Katie is as bubbly and cheerful as ever but I don't understand hiring someone on the spot, unless she already knows Sammy and isn't sharing that information with Fred. Fred notes that Sammy is Katie's doppelganger so maybe they're related? Fred's Uncle Percival is massively embarrassing. I didn't care for his quip that his great nieces and nephews may be of the "Hispanic persuasion"! He meant to be funny and I know older men like this who make off-color jokes like that but I can't stand to read about it. Gary has the patience of a saint. He's a very kind man. I love how much Fred loves him. Anna and Carl play a lesser role here but are still an amusing, charming couple. The local coffee shop owner, Carla, makes a cameo in a funny, cringe-worthy scene.

Fred's two love interests reverse roles here with Leo helping with the investigation. While he seems like a nice guy, I don't get anything more than friendly vibes between Leo and Katie. He's a better choice than Branson. Branson comes on too strong and seems to think there's more to his relationship with Fred than she realizes. He is good at his job but I find it doubtful he would ignore a claim from a park ranger about poaching in a national park! That doesn't make sense.

The rest of the secondary characters are all in the bird club. Henry is a very angry man. He has high standards and holds everyone else to them. He's a little weird because one minute he reveres Myrtle and the next he hates her. Honestly, I thought he was going to murder her! While everyone sees Myrtle as a devotee of bird conservation, Henry believes she's in it for the power and tyrannizes everyone. Myrtle and Fred did not get off on the right foot to begin with. Myrtle's passion for birds leads her to hate dogs! She also hates cages and is freakishly obsessed with a rare bird from New Zealand. At first Myrtle seems like a villain herself. She comes across as a cranky old lady stock character, however, reading on, I discovered she has more depth than Fred realizes. Silas Belle is Fred's new neighbor - if you can call him that. He is obviously wealthy, owning a brand new mansion and paying a hefty fee to belong to a lame bird club. (Not that bird clubs are lame but this one is). Benjamin is a sleazy salesman or he appears that way. Like Myrtle, he came as a bit of a surprise. Lucy is a bird lover without personality. Pete also doesn't have any personality. Fred learns he's trying to find time away from his wife and kids. Alice is trying to fill the space in her life left when her son went to college. I find this a bit creepy and her personality is a little cantankerous. I didn't like her very much. She was the one to discover the body so perhaps she's either traumatized or covering up a nasty deed. Fred learns Roxanne likes to feel superior and special. Raul is the same as Pete but she doesn't get much out of them. Owen is passionate about birds and bird conservation but Henry accuses him of poaching. It's hard to tell what he's thinking from the little bit he's in the story. Finally, there's Petra, another personality-less character. There were too many suspects for the author to fully flesh out.

I do plan to read the next book in the series to see how it goes but if I don't enjoy it as much as the first two, I will probably move on.
209 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2018
Bickering Birds

Another visit with Fred Page, Katie and new baker, Sammy--who is strangely similar to Katie in physical looks, temperament and her love of baking. To be honest, I thought Sammy might be Katie's sister but that line of thought was not followed through. I learned what made Branson an unsuitable suitor and something that gave Leo extra points in Fred's special friend list.
The proud Myrtle Bantam leads a group of 12 members on her elite group of Feathered Friends. As with all groups, there is bickering, secrets, cheating and poaching of rare birds. This causes the death of two members, kidnapping of another and finally, a twisted love is exposed.
Great read that kept my attention the entire time. Plot has twists and turns as the murderer is exposed😁👍🏻👍🏻
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