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Kate Turner, DVM #3
Chained: A Kate Turner, DVM, Mystery
Everyone in the charming Hudson Valley town of Oak Falls expected Flynn Keegan, their handsome blond "Golden Boy" to make it big in Hollywood. So when veterinarian Kate Turner identifies a bone dug up by one of her dog patients as human, no one thinks back ten years to remember Flynn. Until DNA and a smashed skull prove he was murdered.With few clues available to the forensic team, the grieving family begs Kate to investigate. His four closest friends plead ignorance. Neighbors and teachers remember the charismatic young man but offer no real help.Meanwhile, Kate is juggling her eccentric house-call clients, a silly potbellied-pig wedding, and the sudden reappearance of an old college boyfriend. Anthropologist Jeremy Engels, who returns like Indiana Jones from an African dig, is eager to rekindle their romance and offer his help. Together, they plan to crash Flynn's high school reunion, a recreation of his senior prom, and interview his fellow students. Time isn't of the essence with a ten-year-old cold case, right? Her Gramps is convinced that the killer is long gone, just like the illegally captured brown bear she helped save, now roaming free in the woods. But Kate soon discovers that chains of love can be as strong as those made of steel-and some deadly secrets have put her next on the kill list.
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Published May 15, 2018
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About the author
Eileen Brady
11 books147 followersA veterinarian for more than twenty years, Eileen lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her veterinarian husband, Jonathan Grant and their two daughters— plus numerous four legged family members. She is busy working on the next Kate Turner, D.V.M. mystery and trying to keep the animals off her keyboard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 21, 2018
Chained by Eileen Brady is the 3rd book in the Kate Turner, DVM mystery series. During a house call, Veterinarian, Kate is shown a bone dug up by her patient which she identifies as human. A skeleton is unearthed of a teenager who was thought to have left the town 10 years earlier and is now found to have been murdered. Kate is asked by the family to investigate. An enjoyable and interesting mystery. It was fun to join in some of the consultations and see the difficulties with dealing with animals as well as meeting the quirky patients and their owners. The difficulty in investigating a cold case is demonstrated. Overall an absorbing and captivating mystery.
December 8, 2017
I was delighted to find the third book of Kate Turner's experiences as a veterinarian. The exploits are Smithsonian often funny. I especially liked the pig wedding. The Alaskan malamute that found the bones was of special interest. The bones turned out to be 10 years and that popular high school student who was believed to leave the area. Dr. Kate is asked to find out what happened. An old college friend arrives and aides her. There is a black bear in story that figures in the solution of the tale. I highly recommend this book and series.
January 9, 2024
This isn’t a review of this specific book, but rather on the series as a whole. The books in this cozy mystery series make a good “snack” from my otherwise heavy diet of long (very long) sci-fi, fantasy or speculative fiction. They’re competently written and I’m often surprised by the solution. What I perhaps like best about the series is the surrounding milieu: a rural-based small animal hospital in New York’s Hudson Valley. Kate Turner, our sleuth, is the sole veterinarian, covering for the hospital’s principal veterinarian who is on a year-long round-the-world trip. As premise, this is nice change from what seems to be a glut of cooking-related cozy mystery series. She’s fresh out of school and, influenced by her grandfather’s job and stories as a fire investigator while he raised her, she has a penchant for getting involved in suspicious deaths. It’s sort of a cross between Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and James Herriot’s stories of being a Yorkshire Dales veterinarian, except she focuses on small animals, leaving farm animals to their own specialists.
Eileen Brady, the author, is a real-life veterinarian with more than 20 years’ experience. This is evident in the series, with the protagonist being more confident and knowledgeable than someone fresh out of veterinary school probably would be. This isn’t a fatal flaw. The details in the stories ring true. However, the veterinarian part of the stories is mostly incidental to the mysterious deaths being investigated. It provides atmosphere, pads out the story, introduces characters, and serves to provide the surrounding context for the mystery. You could remove most of the specific animal tales and the mysteries would be just as good, but maybe the stories wouldn’t be quite as entertaining and enjoyable.
Eileen Brady, the author, is a real-life veterinarian with more than 20 years’ experience. This is evident in the series, with the protagonist being more confident and knowledgeable than someone fresh out of veterinary school probably would be. This isn’t a fatal flaw. The details in the stories ring true. However, the veterinarian part of the stories is mostly incidental to the mysterious deaths being investigated. It provides atmosphere, pads out the story, introduces characters, and serves to provide the surrounding context for the mystery. You could remove most of the specific animal tales and the mysteries would be just as good, but maybe the stories wouldn’t be quite as entertaining and enjoyable.
December 5, 2017
When I requested to read Chained by Eileen Brady, I wasn't sure what to expect. From the moment I opened my digital ARC, I was instantly transported to the Hudson Valley, into the quaint town of Oak Falls.
Dr. Kate Turner is filling in at the vet practice and spends her days catering to much loved family pets, including a pair of pot bellied pigs which will leave you laughing out loud.
Living life in a small town has it ups and downs, and when a loved pet happens to bring back a bone, it sets the small town of Oak Falls back to a time no one wants to remember.
When the results prove that the bones belong to a local resident, everyone is shocked ans stunned, Flynn Keegan was thought to have left Oak Falls behind, never contacting anyone again.
Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy this top notch story. Grab your copy on December 5th, when Chained is released.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this series provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Dr. Kate Turner is filling in at the vet practice and spends her days catering to much loved family pets, including a pair of pot bellied pigs which will leave you laughing out loud.
Living life in a small town has it ups and downs, and when a loved pet happens to bring back a bone, it sets the small town of Oak Falls back to a time no one wants to remember.
When the results prove that the bones belong to a local resident, everyone is shocked ans stunned, Flynn Keegan was thought to have left Oak Falls behind, never contacting anyone again.
Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy this top notch story. Grab your copy on December 5th, when Chained is released.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this series provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
December 4, 2017
Chained
Kate Turner DVM Mysteries, Book #3
Eileen Brady
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Everyone in the charming Hudson Valley town of Oak Falls expected Flynn Keegan, their handsome blond "Golden Boy" to make it big in Hollywood. So when veterinarian Kate Turner identifies a bone dug up by one of her dog patients as human, no one thinks back ten years to remember Flynn. Until DNA and a smashed skull prove he was murdered.
With few clues available to the forensic team, the grieving family begs Kate to investigate. His four closest friends plead ignorance. Neighbors and teachers remember the charismatic young man but offer no real help. Meanwhile, Kate is juggling her eccentric house call clients, a silly pot-bellied pig wedding and the sudden re-appearance of an old college boyfriend. Anthropologist Jeremy Engels, who returns like Indiana Jones from an African dig, is eager to rekindle their romance and offer his help. Together, they plan to crash Flynn's high school reunion, a re-creation of his senior prom, and interview his fellow students. Time isn't of the essence with a ten-year-old cold case. Right? Her Gramps is convinced the killer is long gone, just like the illegally captured brown bear she helped save, now roaming free in the woods. But Kate soon discovers that chains of love can be as strong as those made of steel - and some deadly secrets have put her next on the kill list. (Goodreads)
Review:
I have read the other two books in this series and I have loved them And I felt the same way about this book. The characters are likeable, Kate’s work as a veterinarian is fascinating and the mystery is top notch.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. Kate is a smart, strong, caring woman and she enjoys her job very much. The people that she works with are funny, nosy and friendly and they are not above getting into Kate’s business if they think it is necessary. They work together as a great team and I would not hesitate to take any of my animals to be checked out by them. Add in an interesting love interest and you have unforgettable characters.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there with Kate, going on house calls to take care of all of the animals. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book, reading about all of the conditions that Kate treated and all of the animals that she helped.
The mystery was was well plotted and there were plenty of suspects to consider and clues to sift through, even though the case is over ten years old. I was surprised when the culprit was revealed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. And if you are an animal lover, then this becomes a must read book. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book so you will have to read it for yourself to see what I mean.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this great book.
Kate Turner DVM Mysteries, Book #3
Eileen Brady
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Everyone in the charming Hudson Valley town of Oak Falls expected Flynn Keegan, their handsome blond "Golden Boy" to make it big in Hollywood. So when veterinarian Kate Turner identifies a bone dug up by one of her dog patients as human, no one thinks back ten years to remember Flynn. Until DNA and a smashed skull prove he was murdered.
With few clues available to the forensic team, the grieving family begs Kate to investigate. His four closest friends plead ignorance. Neighbors and teachers remember the charismatic young man but offer no real help. Meanwhile, Kate is juggling her eccentric house call clients, a silly pot-bellied pig wedding and the sudden re-appearance of an old college boyfriend. Anthropologist Jeremy Engels, who returns like Indiana Jones from an African dig, is eager to rekindle their romance and offer his help. Together, they plan to crash Flynn's high school reunion, a re-creation of his senior prom, and interview his fellow students. Time isn't of the essence with a ten-year-old cold case. Right? Her Gramps is convinced the killer is long gone, just like the illegally captured brown bear she helped save, now roaming free in the woods. But Kate soon discovers that chains of love can be as strong as those made of steel - and some deadly secrets have put her next on the kill list. (Goodreads)
Review:
I have read the other two books in this series and I have loved them And I felt the same way about this book. The characters are likeable, Kate’s work as a veterinarian is fascinating and the mystery is top notch.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. Kate is a smart, strong, caring woman and she enjoys her job very much. The people that she works with are funny, nosy and friendly and they are not above getting into Kate’s business if they think it is necessary. They work together as a great team and I would not hesitate to take any of my animals to be checked out by them. Add in an interesting love interest and you have unforgettable characters.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there with Kate, going on house calls to take care of all of the animals. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book, reading about all of the conditions that Kate treated and all of the animals that she helped.
The mystery was was well plotted and there were plenty of suspects to consider and clues to sift through, even though the case is over ten years old. I was surprised when the culprit was revealed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. And if you are an animal lover, then this becomes a must read book. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book so you will have to read it for yourself to see what I mean.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this great book.
December 26, 2017
I love this series. Kate Turner DVM Mysteries series is set in the Hudson Valley and deals with Kate's veterinarian practice. Her off and on again relationship with Luke is off again and Jeremy, an old college flame is visiting. In book 3, Kate is investigating a 10 year old murder after a dog discovers human bones in the woods. These books are funny and have a good cozy mystery to solve. The title, Chained refers to a captured bear that Kate befriends and helps heal. Along with Kate's human clients that are a little eccentric the animal clients will certainly have you smiling. Don't need to read the series in order but you don't want to miss the previous stories.
May 29, 2019
Pretty good story for the series. I like the main character, Kate. I think it's a little weird that people ask her to solve a cold case murder when she wasn't from the town but it worked in the end. I actually really like her relationship with Jeremy instead of Luke. I hope that lasts through the series! Also, I've heard tons of stories about wild animals remembering people who have helped them. I was so happy that something like that was included in the story!!
July 14, 2019
Interesting story about a bear
August 21, 2019
Wow, this Kate Turner's mystery made me shiver at times and I didn't see the (satisfying) ending coming!
December 3, 2017
This is #3 of the Kate Turner, DVM mysteries, but could be read as a stand alone. Kate is fairly new to the Hudson Valley town of Oak Falls. When their home town golden boy disappears, everyone thinks he's made good on his vow to go to Hollywood. Unfortunately, one of her dog patients turns up a bone deemed to be human and it proves to be Flynn. His smashed skull proves murder--ten years ago.
His family want answers, but there is no real remaining evidence. In the meantime, the animal hospital, patients, and life must go on. Life includes old college boyfriend, anthropologist Jeremy Engels, returning to the U.S. after an African dig is stopped and it looks like he might want to rekindle a romance.
Kate has history of her own that includes her "Gramps" as major caregiver after her mother and brother are killed following a hit and run. She tends to turn to the ex-fireman for advice and turns to him again in her forensic investigation into the death of Flynn. She is working an established hospital for a vet friend with whom she exchanged his practice and over-the-garage apartment for the approximate year he is to be on traveling sabbatical. His practice includes a wide variety of animals and she is apparently used to throwing bag and tools in an old truck with her assistant, Mari, who runs duties from prep to GPS tracker. I really liked the character of Mari. And, for that matter, the character of Kate without a lot of back story still makes for a charismatic vet.
The opening chapter grabs the interest, only slowing somewhat in the middle for the swelling of the romance. I enjoyed riding in the back seat, figuratively speaking, and looking at her patients. Her discovery of the brown bear was definitely one of the more cringe worthy discoveries on her rounds.
Dialogue is believable and particularly natural between Kate and her office staff. Red herrings steer you in one or the other direction, keeping you guessing the culprit. The climax comes as expected, if not exactly who, and all loose ends wrap up very neatly.
I downloaded this digital ebook from Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended cozy mystery (even if it does include romance) and animal stories. A slightly different bent to the plot and an enjoyable one.
See my full review on http://rosepointpublishing.com
His family want answers, but there is no real remaining evidence. In the meantime, the animal hospital, patients, and life must go on. Life includes old college boyfriend, anthropologist Jeremy Engels, returning to the U.S. after an African dig is stopped and it looks like he might want to rekindle a romance.
Kate has history of her own that includes her "Gramps" as major caregiver after her mother and brother are killed following a hit and run. She tends to turn to the ex-fireman for advice and turns to him again in her forensic investigation into the death of Flynn. She is working an established hospital for a vet friend with whom she exchanged his practice and over-the-garage apartment for the approximate year he is to be on traveling sabbatical. His practice includes a wide variety of animals and she is apparently used to throwing bag and tools in an old truck with her assistant, Mari, who runs duties from prep to GPS tracker. I really liked the character of Mari. And, for that matter, the character of Kate without a lot of back story still makes for a charismatic vet.
The opening chapter grabs the interest, only slowing somewhat in the middle for the swelling of the romance. I enjoyed riding in the back seat, figuratively speaking, and looking at her patients. Her discovery of the brown bear was definitely one of the more cringe worthy discoveries on her rounds.
Dialogue is believable and particularly natural between Kate and her office staff. Red herrings steer you in one or the other direction, keeping you guessing the culprit. The climax comes as expected, if not exactly who, and all loose ends wrap up very neatly.
I downloaded this digital ebook from Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended cozy mystery (even if it does include romance) and animal stories. A slightly different bent to the plot and an enjoyable one.
See my full review on http://rosepointpublishing.com
January 20, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Chained is the third entry in the Kate Turner, DVM mystery series by Eileen Brady. The protagonist is a practicing vet in a rural area of New York state. She's a temporary replacement for the clinic's owner, Doc Anderson. When one of her dog patients discovers a human arm bone, she gets involved in solving the cold case disappearance of the arm bone's original owner.
I enjoyed reading this book. Though I read it as a standalone, the necessary backstory is included in the story and it doesn't suffer for being read out of order. I really like Kate. She's no-nonsense and unpretentious and not superwoman. I also liked the interaction and small town feeling between the characters in the book and the good relationship she has with her coworkers. There's a lot of humor in the book and it's a fun and diverting read. (The scene with the hamster in the bottle made me giggle).
The plot resolution does depend on a deus ex machina, but it wasn't completely over the top. It's a cozy mystery and the book adheres to the 'rules' in every other way. The author is an experienced vet herself and it shows in the narrative. They say 'write what you know', and I've no doubt that some of the dialogue and situations in the book have their origins in the author's experiences.
It's a diverting read and at 269 pages, a good length for a cozy. It's well written and plotted and doesn't drag.
Released 5th Dec, 2017 by Poisoned Pen Press, it's available in hardcover, paperback and ebook formats.
Four stars, enjoyable, escapist, cozy fun.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
Chained is the third entry in the Kate Turner, DVM mystery series by Eileen Brady. The protagonist is a practicing vet in a rural area of New York state. She's a temporary replacement for the clinic's owner, Doc Anderson. When one of her dog patients discovers a human arm bone, she gets involved in solving the cold case disappearance of the arm bone's original owner.
I enjoyed reading this book. Though I read it as a standalone, the necessary backstory is included in the story and it doesn't suffer for being read out of order. I really like Kate. She's no-nonsense and unpretentious and not superwoman. I also liked the interaction and small town feeling between the characters in the book and the good relationship she has with her coworkers. There's a lot of humor in the book and it's a fun and diverting read. (The scene with the hamster in the bottle made me giggle).
The plot resolution does depend on a deus ex machina, but it wasn't completely over the top. It's a cozy mystery and the book adheres to the 'rules' in every other way. The author is an experienced vet herself and it shows in the narrative. They say 'write what you know', and I've no doubt that some of the dialogue and situations in the book have their origins in the author's experiences.
It's a diverting read and at 269 pages, a good length for a cozy. It's well written and plotted and doesn't drag.
Released 5th Dec, 2017 by Poisoned Pen Press, it's available in hardcover, paperback and ebook formats.
Four stars, enjoyable, escapist, cozy fun.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
December 4, 2017
I absolutely love this series for the details of Kate's life as a vet. Eileen Brady has been a practicing vet for over twenty years, so no matter how silly some of those patients (and their owners) may seem, I have the feeling that they are all based upon fact. This verisimilitude makes me feel as though I could walk right into the book and ride along on Kate's housecalls.
The mystery is a good one, and I also think I relived a few of my high school days as I read. With the defecting current boyfriend and an old one coming to town, I was worried that the mystery would take a backseat to romance, but my fear was groundless, I'm happy to say. Kate's grandfather the retired arson investigator is the voice of reason in her life, and Kate needs one because she had some low points in her investigation-- what I call Too Stupid to Live Moments. Like what? The snowpocalypse is going to close down the town completely, but that's the precise moment when Kate just has to go up into the mountains to take photos for evidence. Are you kidding me? Killer on the loose who's mad because you're learning too much. A bear roaming the area you're traveling to, and a blizzard that's already begun? Shame on you, Kate!
It's a good thing that those veterinary house calls and the mystery are so good because, as a rule, I don't react well to Too Stupid to Live Moments. I'll be keeping an eye peeled on Kate during her next investigation to see if she toes the line.
The mystery is a good one, and I also think I relived a few of my high school days as I read. With the defecting current boyfriend and an old one coming to town, I was worried that the mystery would take a backseat to romance, but my fear was groundless, I'm happy to say. Kate's grandfather the retired arson investigator is the voice of reason in her life, and Kate needs one because she had some low points in her investigation-- what I call Too Stupid to Live Moments. Like what? The snowpocalypse is going to close down the town completely, but that's the precise moment when Kate just has to go up into the mountains to take photos for evidence. Are you kidding me? Killer on the loose who's mad because you're learning too much. A bear roaming the area you're traveling to, and a blizzard that's already begun? Shame on you, Kate!
It's a good thing that those veterinary house calls and the mystery are so good because, as a rule, I don't react well to Too Stupid to Live Moments. I'll be keeping an eye peeled on Kate during her next investigation to see if she toes the line.
December 30, 2017
Chained is a cozy mystery about a veterinarian, Kate Turner, written by a veterinarian, Eileen Brady. When you read a book like this one, you can be sure that the animal and medical details are accurate. But can a scientifically inclined person author a work of fiction with interesting characters and a complex plot? Perhaps even some romance? The answer in this case is a resounding yes.
We follow Kate and her assistant Mari as they attend to a variety of animals both in and out of the animal hospital. One of her “patients” digs up a human bone, and Kate finds herself being asked by the family to discover the murderer in a ten year old cold case. There are a lot of suspects, many lies, and countless emotions rising to the surface as Kate and others deal with both the present and the past.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Poisoned Pen Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
We follow Kate and her assistant Mari as they attend to a variety of animals both in and out of the animal hospital. One of her “patients” digs up a human bone, and Kate finds herself being asked by the family to discover the murderer in a ten year old cold case. There are a lot of suspects, many lies, and countless emotions rising to the surface as Kate and others deal with both the present and the past.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Poisoned Pen Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2017
I very much enjoyed this quasi-cozy featuring Kate, a vet, who is determined to figure out who murdered Flynn, a Hollywood hopeful from a small Hudson Valley town. Fortuitously, Kate's old flame, Jeremy, is an anthropologist, which certainly helps when the body is only bones! The mystery is in some ways less entertaining than the anecdotes about Kate's animal clients. I read this as a standalone even though it's part of a series and was just fine jumping in. There's a little romance, there's a little humor, and best of all to my mind, there's pets. Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC. I'm looking forward to more from Brady.
February 2, 2018
A Killer Plot!
This is an incredible series with Chained being the third book in the series. Dr. Kate Turner, DVM, finds herself entwined in a 10 year old murder when one of her canine patients digs up the skeleton. The suspense builds slowly as Kate investigates the family & friends of the victim. In her medical practice she finds herself taking care of some very interesting medical cases from a stuck hamster, to a pregnant pig, to a Highland bull. Some of these cases provide quite a few chuckles! A dash of romance is provided by an old college boyfriend who reappears in her life. I am interested to see where this relationship goes. Looking forward to book 4!
This is an incredible series with Chained being the third book in the series. Dr. Kate Turner, DVM, finds herself entwined in a 10 year old murder when one of her canine patients digs up the skeleton. The suspense builds slowly as Kate investigates the family & friends of the victim. In her medical practice she finds herself taking care of some very interesting medical cases from a stuck hamster, to a pregnant pig, to a Highland bull. Some of these cases provide quite a few chuckles! A dash of romance is provided by an old college boyfriend who reappears in her life. I am interested to see where this relationship goes. Looking forward to book 4!
August 9, 2018
This is my first time read from author, Eileen Brady. Her story is about a cold case, an amateur sleuth in a small town whose real job is the town's veterinarian, Kate Turner. I liked the characters, believable enough, and the development of solving the case. Throw in some humor and romance and all adds up to a good mystery without all the blood and gore a more serious who done it includes. Oh! And I did enjoy the animals - funny, cute and in this case, a very meaningful rescue of an abused animal.
All in all will be back for more of Kate Turner's mysteries
All in all will be back for more of Kate Turner's mysteries
September 16, 2017
3 stars
I read the Kindle version.
This book is almost a cozy mystery. It is told with a touch of humor and moves along nicely. You can follow Dr. Kate on her way through her daily rounds and meet her various pet clients. She has an easy way with animals that I appreciate. I liked the book very much and will most likely look into others that Eileen Brady has written.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this fun little book to read and enjoy.
I read the Kindle version.
This book is almost a cozy mystery. It is told with a touch of humor and moves along nicely. You can follow Dr. Kate on her way through her daily rounds and meet her various pet clients. She has an easy way with animals that I appreciate. I liked the book very much and will most likely look into others that Eileen Brady has written.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this fun little book to read and enjoy.
February 13, 2019
There is a little too much romance-novel in this latest book. The most interesting parts of Dr. Turner's story are her interactions with clients and their animals. It's rather unfortunate that just about every author with a female protagonist finds it necessary to introduce inevitably handsome, available men (almost always two) into the picture, who send the otherwise capable and independent woman into a dither. It gets old.
May 26, 2019
This is an incredible series with Chained being the third book in the series. Dr. Kate Turner, DVM, finds herself entwined in a 10 year old murder when one of her canine patients digs up the skeleton
Well written and easy to read; my only complaint is I finished it too quickly! For a fun read with a couple of great twists at the end and a pretty accurate look in the day of a life of a vet; check it out!
Well written and easy to read; my only complaint is I finished it too quickly! For a fun read with a couple of great twists at the end and a pretty accurate look in the day of a life of a vet; check it out!
September 20, 2017
A big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. First time reading this author. I knew going in it was #3. It reads like a stand alone. I enjoyed the book but was hoping more about the bear and less about people. I admit I didn't foresee the ending. I will definitely read this author again. Let me hear your thoughts.
February 25, 2018
So far this has been one of my favorites of the Kate Turner Mysteries. We get to meet the charming Jeremy finally and it is fun when Luke and Jeremy meet because they both size each other up. This is a real page turner and I read it in a couple of days. Very good at the ending. I don't want to give it away because it is an interesting twist to the plot. Hope Eileen keeps writing.
August 11, 2019
Four and a half stars
I like the characters. The books have humor as well as mystery, I do think Kate does some goofy stuff. Like Luke said three of her nine lives have been used up. Her vet visits round out the story. I'm glad she has left Luke behind. He and Dina deserve each other.
I like the characters. The books have humor as well as mystery, I do think Kate does some goofy stuff. Like Luke said three of her nine lives have been used up. Her vet visits round out the story. I'm glad she has left Luke behind. He and Dina deserve each other.
August 7, 2017
When a dog in upstate NY finds a human bone, his veterinarian, Kate, decides to investigate the 10 year old murder. The author is a vet, and I enjoyed the animal anecdotes in the book, though the plot was a bit farfetched.
February 5, 2018
Mystery, animals and romance
This was my first book by this author, so I will need to go back to read the first two. I enjoyed the interesting little town and the various antics of the animals. This was a nice mystery to curl up with on a rainy day.
This was my first book by this author, so I will need to go back to read the first two. I enjoyed the interesting little town and the various antics of the animals. This was a nice mystery to curl up with on a rainy day.
January 24, 2018
It seems like a long time between books two and three (a couple of years). I hope the next book in the series is quicker to be published. Really, really like the series.
August 27, 2019
I love the vet part of these mysteries.
December 28, 2017
Being a vet who does house calls, Kate Turner comes upon an amusing and eccentric cross-section of Hudson River Valley denizens whose pets need some of her tender loving medical care. In Chained, one of her patients was injured while adventuring in the woods, but the bone he brought back as treasure was human, not animal. It turns out to be from the body of a high school golden boy Flynn who left for California dreams ten years ago–or so people thought.
In true Jessica Fletcher tradition, the community expects Kate to solve the mystery by asking questions as she goes about her vet business. The romantic element is complicated by her police officer friend going back to his former girlfriend and the visit of her college boyfriend, on sabbatical from his anthropology dig in Africa. He’s matured into quite the dashing man, but her feelings are conflicted.
Talking to family, teachers, and classmates of the murdered Flynn, she gets an idea of his character. Her strategy is to cast a wide net and narrow it by learning more about his milieu and then about that final day when he left, only to be murdered.
I was disappointed by Chained. While the mystery is basically fair in that we get the clues as Turner does and none are hidden from us, the resolution is through revelation, not reasoning. Someone feels threatened by Kate’s investigation and cracks, exposing everything. That’s never as satisfying as the detective figuring it out.
That would not be enough to disappoint me, though. For me, the biggest problem is how flat the characters feel. Frankly, the book feels workshopped, with characters developed in writing software. They aren’t interesting. Of course, Luke’s girlfriend is a mercenary Barbie whose no better than she should be. Of course, the stepdad is abusive. Of course, her assistant is hyper-competent, ready to do a style makeover or muck about with a muskrat. Kidding, no muskrats were harmed in the writing of this mystery. Even the “write what you know” veterinary medicine feels more like a public service announcement than reality.
Here’s the thing. This is not a bad mystery. It’s fair. It’s competent. It’s just not as good as it should be. The foundation is there for a great series, but Brady needs to free herself from conventions and stereotypes. If Luke’s love interest could have been a charming, fun, and woman-friendly woman, that would have been interesting. As it is, she is banal because she is completely typecast as the romantic competition of a dime novel, catty, oversexed, grasping, and materialistic. There’s also the eccentric, the recluse, the mad mountain man, the grifting realtor, and so on. Brady has the foundations for a good series, but she needs to be more surprising.
Chained is the third in the Kate Turner DVM series. I received an e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley.
Chained at Poisoned Pen Press
Eileen Brady author site
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
In true Jessica Fletcher tradition, the community expects Kate to solve the mystery by asking questions as she goes about her vet business. The romantic element is complicated by her police officer friend going back to his former girlfriend and the visit of her college boyfriend, on sabbatical from his anthropology dig in Africa. He’s matured into quite the dashing man, but her feelings are conflicted.
Talking to family, teachers, and classmates of the murdered Flynn, she gets an idea of his character. Her strategy is to cast a wide net and narrow it by learning more about his milieu and then about that final day when he left, only to be murdered.
I was disappointed by Chained. While the mystery is basically fair in that we get the clues as Turner does and none are hidden from us, the resolution is through revelation, not reasoning. Someone feels threatened by Kate’s investigation and cracks, exposing everything. That’s never as satisfying as the detective figuring it out.
That would not be enough to disappoint me, though. For me, the biggest problem is how flat the characters feel. Frankly, the book feels workshopped, with characters developed in writing software. They aren’t interesting. Of course, Luke’s girlfriend is a mercenary Barbie whose no better than she should be. Of course, the stepdad is abusive. Of course, her assistant is hyper-competent, ready to do a style makeover or muck about with a muskrat. Kidding, no muskrats were harmed in the writing of this mystery. Even the “write what you know” veterinary medicine feels more like a public service announcement than reality.
Here’s the thing. This is not a bad mystery. It’s fair. It’s competent. It’s just not as good as it should be. The foundation is there for a great series, but Brady needs to free herself from conventions and stereotypes. If Luke’s love interest could have been a charming, fun, and woman-friendly woman, that would have been interesting. As it is, she is banal because she is completely typecast as the romantic competition of a dime novel, catty, oversexed, grasping, and materialistic. There’s also the eccentric, the recluse, the mad mountain man, the grifting realtor, and so on. Brady has the foundations for a good series, but she needs to be more surprising.
Chained is the third in the Kate Turner DVM series. I received an e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley.
Chained at Poisoned Pen Press
Eileen Brady author site
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
July 28, 2023
First, you absolutely don’t have to read the first two books in the series to enjoy this. Kate has experienced an on-and-off relationship with a local cop named Luke, and that changes markedly in this book. But otherwise, you can read and enjoy this.
Flynn Keegan was the kid who would most likely be a success wherever he went. That’s the consensus around Oak Falls, New York. He seemed to have his life together. When he disappears days after graduation in 2007, everyone assumes he trundled off to California and just never bothered to write home again.
Kate Turner, a local veterinarian in the small community, visits a dog patient who had recently dug up a bone. The young female owner figured it was a deer carcass or something, but Kate knew the bone was human. The cops found DNA that matched Flynn, and as they dug deeper, they found Flynn’s skull. Someone had crushed his skull and thereby killed him.
Kate reluctantly agreed to investigate the death when the family requested she do so. They were aware of her talent as an amateur sleuth.
This had a slog-ridden draggy middle, but if you stay with it, the end is novel in a variety of ways.
You get laugh-out-loud glimpses into the lives of some of Kate’s patients. What you soon realize is that the handlers are far more ridiculous than their pets. As the book opens, Kate is the maid of honor at the wedding of two potbellied pigs. The female pig is heavily pregnant as the wedding occurs. Fortunately, the same owner controls both the male and female pigs.
This is an unusual series because of some of the characters. Kate frequently talks by phone to her beloved ex-firefighter grandpa. He becomes an almost all-seeing omniscient character in the book. The veterinary office staff is fun to read about in aggregate, and Kate’s new boyfriend is an interesting twist to the story.
Flynn Keegan was the kid who would most likely be a success wherever he went. That’s the consensus around Oak Falls, New York. He seemed to have his life together. When he disappears days after graduation in 2007, everyone assumes he trundled off to California and just never bothered to write home again.
Kate Turner, a local veterinarian in the small community, visits a dog patient who had recently dug up a bone. The young female owner figured it was a deer carcass or something, but Kate knew the bone was human. The cops found DNA that matched Flynn, and as they dug deeper, they found Flynn’s skull. Someone had crushed his skull and thereby killed him.
Kate reluctantly agreed to investigate the death when the family requested she do so. They were aware of her talent as an amateur sleuth.
This had a slog-ridden draggy middle, but if you stay with it, the end is novel in a variety of ways.
You get laugh-out-loud glimpses into the lives of some of Kate’s patients. What you soon realize is that the handlers are far more ridiculous than their pets. As the book opens, Kate is the maid of honor at the wedding of two potbellied pigs. The female pig is heavily pregnant as the wedding occurs. Fortunately, the same owner controls both the male and female pigs.
This is an unusual series because of some of the characters. Kate frequently talks by phone to her beloved ex-firefighter grandpa. He becomes an almost all-seeing omniscient character in the book. The veterinary office staff is fun to read about in aggregate, and Kate’s new boyfriend is an interesting twist to the story.
June 30, 2023
I enjoyed this book. This is the third book in the series and while there wasn't as many humorous animal situations that the previous book had, the ones that were included will have you chuckling. Instead the author went for character development by having Kate's old boyfriend return and a possible love triangle could be in the works to complicate her busy life. I really like the characters and especially the choice of work place, as it gives the author plenty of scope to introduce some crazy let owners. The mystery was once again investigated inbetween house visits but with a number of suspects and red herrings it was a twisty path that leads to a surprise killer, to be honest the killer could have been anyone of them. I hope to visit Oak Falls again very soon.
Before rushing back to take part in a piggy wedding veterinarian Kate has one last appointment to make. Things are on track to make it back to join the happy couple, until the dogs owner shows her the animal bone he brought home. It's not an animal bone. Instead it turns out to be a teenager who left the small town to make it big in Hollywood, ten years ago. Everybody knew and liked Flynn, including Kate's work colleagues. Which is how Kate finds herself being asked to look into the cold case but she is at odds with detective and her friend Luke, who also grew up with the victim. Can Kate once again find a killer after so much time has past? Only if she can get to know the people who knew him best, his friends and to do that she will have to attend there high school reunion. Only it turns out deadly for one of them and everybody becomes a suspect.
I liked the narrator. She gives each character there own unique voice.
Before rushing back to take part in a piggy wedding veterinarian Kate has one last appointment to make. Things are on track to make it back to join the happy couple, until the dogs owner shows her the animal bone he brought home. It's not an animal bone. Instead it turns out to be a teenager who left the small town to make it big in Hollywood, ten years ago. Everybody knew and liked Flynn, including Kate's work colleagues. Which is how Kate finds herself being asked to look into the cold case but she is at odds with detective and her friend Luke, who also grew up with the victim. Can Kate once again find a killer after so much time has past? Only if she can get to know the people who knew him best, his friends and to do that she will have to attend there high school reunion. Only it turns out deadly for one of them and everybody becomes a suspect.
I liked the narrator. She gives each character there own unique voice.
August 24, 2025
The mystery is normal, nothing new. But then, with how many cozies are out there, there’re bound to be bajillions of overlap. But it wasn’t bad. She interrogated the right people and asked good questions.
I really like how they talk about the clues she doesn’t have access to like how the body was positioned, was it wrapped in anything, and other physical evidence. She was frustrated that her detective/other love interest was not telling her this stuff. He shouldn’t tell her anything!
There is now a love triangle which I hate. But I liked where it went. I also really don’t like how often she comments on how everyone thinks she looks like a young Meryl Streep. There also were parts where she wasn’t very pc like about Travelers and the Romani (gypsies).
It was interesting to view the vet scenes. I’m glad she talked about being poisonous to dogs in very very small doses. If you have dog, please read that spoiler. It’s just the name of the poison which is very, very common.
The very end was predictable but I liked it.
Hmm. I probably will read the next one since I really like the vet stuff.
The reader, Caroline Shaffer, was excellent. She also narrates another series I like. Some of the older characters have soft New York accents which was perfect since it took place in upstate New York and I think those characters were from the city. She did a great job with that.
I really like how they talk about the clues she doesn’t have access to like how the body was positioned, was it wrapped in anything, and other physical evidence. She was frustrated that her detective/other love interest was not telling her this stuff. He shouldn’t tell her anything!
There is now a love triangle which I hate. But I liked where it went. I also really don’t like how often she comments on how everyone thinks she looks like a young Meryl Streep. There also were parts where she wasn’t very pc like about Travelers and the Romani (gypsies).
It was interesting to view the vet scenes. I’m glad she talked about being poisonous to dogs in very very small doses. If you have dog, please read that spoiler. It’s just the name of the poison which is very, very common.
The very end was predictable but I liked it.
Hmm. I probably will read the next one since I really like the vet stuff.
The reader, Caroline Shaffer, was excellent. She also narrates another series I like. Some of the older characters have soft New York accents which was perfect since it took place in upstate New York and I think those characters were from the city. She did a great job with that.
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