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Barkside of the Moon #1

Pit Perfect Murder

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Pit Bulls are Sweet . . . and that’s no mystery!
(previously published as Pit Perfect in 2016)

When cougar-shifter Lily Mason moves to Moonrise, Missouri, she wishes for only three things from the town and its human population. . . to find a job, to find a place to live, and to live as a human, not a therianthrope.

Lily gets more than she bargains for when a rescue pit bull named Smooshie rescues her from an oncoming car, and it’s love at first sight. Thanks to Smooshie, Lily’s first two wishes are granted by Parker Knowles, the owner of the Pit Bull Rescue center, who offers her a job at the shelter and the room over his garage for rent.

Lily’s new life as an integrator is threatened when Smooshie finds Katherine Kapersky, the local church choir leader and head of the town council, dead in the field behind the rescue center. Unfortunately, there are more suspects than mourners for the elderly town leader. Can Lily keep her less-than-human status under wraps? Or will the killer, who has pulled off a nearly Pit Perfect murder, expose her to keep Lily and her dog from digging up the truth?

Fall in love with Lily Mason, the shifter who only wants to live as a human, and her pit bull Smooshie, a rescue dog who in the end may be the one doing the rescuing!

Pit Perfect Murder, Book 1 of the Barkside of the Moon Mysteries from USA Today bestselling paranormal cozy mystery author Renee George, is an exciting tale of mystery and suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. A clean read full of humor and small town charm.

233 pages, ebook

First published December 15, 2016

2347 people are currently reading
1339 people want to read

About the author

Renee George

146 books575 followers
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About Renee:
USA Today Bestselling author Renee George writes paranormal mysteries and romances because she loves all things whodunit, Otherworldly, and weird. Also, she wishes her pittie, the adorable Kona Princess Warrior, and her beagle, Josie the Incontinent Princess, could talk. Or at least be more like Scooby-Doo and help her unmask villains at the haunted house up the street.

When she’s not writing about mystery-solving werecougars or the adventures of a hapless psychic living among shapeshifters, she is preyed upon by stray kittens who end up living in her house because she can't say no to those sweet, furry faces. (Someone stop telling them where she lives!)

She resides in Mid-Missouri with her family and spends her non-writing time doing really cool stuff...like watching TV and cleaning up dog poop.


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Author Note: For readers who have enjoyed reading my books and taken the time to share their love in reviews, thank you so much! I can't tell you how much it means to me to know my work is valued.

Hugs,
Renee George

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
Profile Image for Kay.
2,212 reviews1,199 followers
November 6, 2021
Aww, a cute cozy mystery. I picked this novel randomly because of the smiley pit bull on the cover.

Nooo, I wasn't born a pit bull lover, a dog lover yes. I'm scared of them like most people are until one very skinny and mangy girl came into my life. She was left on the side of a road in freezing temperature. Unaware that she was abandoned by the owner, my boyfriend and I posted "found dog" all over the internet. Months past and no one came forward. We reluctantly kept her with fear that the shelter will put her down. That's her on my profile picture, Coco. 💗

First in the series, Lily Mason, a cougar shapeshifter moves to a new human town Moonrise, Missouri. She almost got hit by a car while crossing the street but a sweet pit bull, Smooshie came to her rescue. Parker Knowles, an owner of a local Rescue Center ends up giving her work and a place to stay above the center. One night while taking Smooshie out for a walk, they found a dead body of a local prominent lady. Being a werecougar gives Lily a keen nose for sleuthing! This is a fun little book that also shines a light on animals in need. 🐶
Profile Image for Ian.
1,433 reviews183 followers
March 2, 2021
Lily leaves her hometown and moves to Missouri.
She is a were-cougar but that doesn't really come into the story at all.
The town's shrew has been murdered and it seems that everyone has a motive but the body was found in Parker's yard and for the police chief that's enough to close the case and throw him into jail.

Lily investigates.

That's about it. It's a moderately entertaining cozy that offers hints at something more but never delivers.
Profile Image for Barb (Boxermommyreads).
930 reviews
January 2, 2017
This book was just so much fun to read that I've already pre ordered the sequel (and am secretly keeping my fingers crossed that I can get my hands on an ARC somewhere). This book has a combination of so many elements that there really is something for everyone. There's mystery, paranormal elements (shifters, witches and I'm sure so much more), and dogs. Plus it has the small town charm which I love about cozy mysteries and books in general.

Lily is a great character. She moves to Moonrise trying to locate an Uncle who isn't even aware of her existence, but who is her only living relative left. Along the way, she meets lots of new and interesting townsfolk and some who aren't so nice and welcoming. The mystery in the book had me guessing until the end, probably because there was no short list of people who wanted the worst for the victim.

Also, it's great that Lily rescues Smooshie early on so she is a key factor in most of the book. Smooshie is a lovable, over-sized Pit Bull who is sure to play even a bigger role in the next book. If you are looking for a enjoyable quick read and love mysteries, cozy or otherwise, then seriously consider giving this book a chance!
Profile Image for Janet.
3,341 reviews24 followers
June 2, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The first book in the Barkside of the Moon series is absolutely adorable. It's an all-around fun, paranormal mystery with Lily Mason being a cougar shifter. Of course, her rescue pit bull Smooshie steals the show occasionally and will have you falling in love with her. Discovering a new to me author is like discovering a new cupcake flavor for me, and I'm never satisfied with just one. Thankfully, book two is already available and I've since started it. Can't wait to see what mischief Lily and Smooshie will get into next.
Profile Image for Leo.
4,986 reviews629 followers
August 2, 2025
Good first book in the series, not sure if I'm going to get very invested in the series tough.
Profile Image for Chris Torretta.
885 reviews40 followers
March 6, 2017
I’m a sucker for pups. I was not one to go all crazy and smiley faced because I saw a dog prior to getting my first pup. Then he spoiled me! Four dogs later and I cannot resist the urge to walk up to every stranger and pet their dogs. It’s a thing with dog lovers, apparently.

Pits are even more adorable, crazy babies. My pit is my counselor. Although he’s my hubby’s dog, if I get upset for any reason, he is on my lap. A 100 pound counselor on my lap is a great way to immediately recognize that I need to calm down! Needless to say, when I saw this cozy mystery I could not pass it up! Book two is publishing soon so I knew I needed to read book one.

This was just as adorable as I thought it would be. The pup in this, Smooshie, is more than adorable. She’s a Pitt, and as such she’s a protector and a lover. I can’t say that Smooshie stole the show though because Lily Mason did a wonderful job of keeping center stage with her Nancy Drew antics.

Being a cozy mystery lover, I wouldn’t say this is my favorite but it is definitely worth the read. The plot was perfect for a cozy mystery, the dogs added quite a bit of appeal, and the idea that Lily is not human adds another element that I normally don’t see in the average cozy mystery. Pit Perfect has a lot to pull the reader in but it is also good enough to keep you entertained as well.

Loved the characters, there are quite a few in this one, but Buzz and Lily definitely stay center. I think that was the only real downside. Lily is new to this town and as such she meets a lot of characters in a very small amount of time. Plus, sadly, a lot of information was given at the beginning of the book and it made me want a prequel to this. After searching Goodreads I’m guessing the prequel is Witchin’ Impossible but these two are in two different sets of series, although Lily does talk about Hazel, so I’ll have to do a bit more reading. I would have loved to read the story behind Lily in a book rather than just being force fed in this one.

That said, this is fun! I can’t wait to get my hands onto book two and here more of Lily and Smooshie’s shenanigans.
Profile Image for All Things Urban Fantasy.
1,921 reviews621 followers
December 28, 2016
All Things Urban Fantasy

PIT PERFECT is a delightfully cozy supernatural mystery story. I enjoyed the different turns the story took in making you question everyone's motives at some point (except Smooshie, Lily's adorable dog). I kept thinking "Oh no it can't be him/her...but it would make so much sense and be kind of awesome..." and the conclusion of who the murderer was was pretty understandable in the end. The story as a whole has a cast of quirky characters and is a pretty light, fun read.

Lily has had a difficult past, with her family being killed and deciding to leave everything she knows behind to start anew in a different town. For all of that she is pretty practical and level headed. I really enjoyed the growing attraction between Lily and Parker. They seemed to connect right away on their first meeting and I am kind of rooting for these two to get together.

While I enjoyed the mystery and the world building, I felt like I was missing out on parts of Lily's past that were explained in previous books which was made more confusing since this was the first in a series. Further research concluded that she was a character in one of Renee George's other series HAZED & CONFUSED MYSTERIES and some of what Lily talks about might have happened in that series. The confusion wasn't too bad and didn't effect my overall enjoyment of the story. I look forward to reading more about Lily and I hope Smooshie gets more involved because I have a soft spot for characters with sidekick animals.
Profile Image for Crystal P.
734 reviews10 followers
June 12, 2021
Pit Perfect Murder was exactly what I want from a cozy mystery - murder, lots of suspects, and quirky town. There was enough of a hint of romance to keep me happy. The only element this book that was lacking was the paranormal - the author gives us lots of fun information and glimpses into the shifter world that Lily comes from, but nothing else really happens in a paranormal sense as she acclimates to living among humans.

I enjoyed the book. The characters were fun and the plot was very fast-paced as we basically were taken along for the investigation!
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,460 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2020
This was a cute paranormal cozy mystery that was fun to read. I enjoyed reading about Lily trying to adapt to a town that is inhabited by all humans. Moonrise, MO is the home of her Uncle Buzz, her only living relative now, and she wanted a new life from Paradise Falls. The mystery was engaging with plenty of twists to keep me guessing until the reveal.
Profile Image for Melodie.
589 reviews79 followers
November 15, 2019
This book was just what I 've been looking for. A light intriguing series. The author invests in her characters but doesn't take herself too seriously.
Lily Mason has just moved to a new town, trying to find a place to start over, fit in. Within a short time, she is embroiled in a local murder mystery. The rub is that Lily is a shape shifter, in some circles known as a werewolf. Well, she's actually a were-cougar. Fitting in might be a problem.
I love animal centered stories and this one features a pit bull named Smooshie, along with a no-kill shelter. And of course there's a hunky shelter owner to round out the story line.
I look forward to this series as an occasional texture change in my reading.
Profile Image for Amber Todd.
627 reviews6 followers
June 9, 2021
Overall, I really enjoyed Pit Perfect Murder by Renee George. I thought Lily was the perfect mix of grit/determination and effervescent personality. Having Smooshy the dog also was a cute touch. The murder and mystery plot was very well done and kept me guessing. The only thing I wanted more of was maybe some shifting and magic. I understand why we hardly get to see Lily in her cougar form, but if it wasn't for her great hearing and nose I would have forgotten she was a shifter at some points.
1,383 reviews19 followers
March 28, 2021
Lily moves to the town of Moonrise. There she meets some very nice people and a few not so nice people. Lily is a cougar-shifter but that isn't what this story is about. This is a good cozy mystery and Lily just happens to be a shifter - so far. One of the very nice people Lily meets is Parker. He is the owner of the Pit Bull Rescue center. And yes, there are adorable dogs in this story - especially one named Smooshie.
A good mystery, interesting characters and a tantalizing potential romance.
700 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2021
This book had me from the start. It is filled with all kinds of mysteries for me to figure out. Lily just wants to blend in with everyone else in her new town after the murder of her parents and brother. Unfortunately mishaps seem to follow Lily stick with Lily like a bad cold. I enjoyed the way Lily's mind works and look forward to other stories by this author in this series.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,037 reviews8 followers
January 2, 2022
This book was a lot of fun. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great. The mystery was good and kept me guessing - I thought each of the characters was the bad guy at one time or another. I'm looking forward to reading more of the series.
Profile Image for Tiffany Ehrob.
128 reviews6 followers
August 1, 2021
Pit perfect Murder


This is the first book I have read from Renee George.  Overall I liked Pit Perfect Murder. It had lots of murders and mystery throughtout the book and some romance in the story the only thing I wanted more of was Paranormal aspect of the story. I will most definitely read the second book in this series.
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,025 reviews22 followers
November 24, 2020
Lily Manson is a paranormal. She is a werecougar and a truth-seer. All her life she has lived in a town where everyone is a paranormal. No secrets. But she has lost everyone she loves and has recently discovered she has an uncle.
So she leaves her comfort zone and goes to see her Uncle. Uncle is also a were, but has been acting human for years out of survival. Unlike many paranormal cozy s , this one book is different because under no circumstances is she to reveal what she is. Because humans would only kill them or study them.
Less than a day of meeting her uncle, she acquires a pit bull dog and the village nasty busybody is found dead. Lily is certain the prime suspect is NOT the culprit. she begins to ask questions and even though she is a complete stranger, the small community falls under her truth-seer spell and talks.
A cozy in a small town with small town characters.
Profile Image for Deb.
1,095 reviews
December 25, 2016
Oh my what a fantastic must read this story is! This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last :D I am so hooked & can't wait for more :D With a unique & fresh storyline combining a cozy mystery with a light touch of PNR & well defined characters (including the lovable rescue dog Smooshie) that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering who-dunnit, and then I was pleasantly surprised at the ending I never saw coming! ... Sadly I had to squeeze this page-turner into a hectic holiday time, coz I did not want to stop once I started & would have read the whole thing in one sitting if I'd had the time! :D Ms. George has a great way with words & descriptions that will reel you in & keep readers engaged :D I highly recommend this to all fans of fiction, so run, don't walk to get your now!!
Profile Image for Ashley Yungbluth.
663 reviews7 followers
October 26, 2024
"Pit Perfect Murder" is book one in the "Barkside of the Moon" series by Renee George. Lily is a shape-shifting cougar who is finding herself in a new town. She left to start over after losing her family. While in her way, she broke down, and it is going to take a few days to get her vehicle fixed. Luckily, she is in the town that her uncle whom she has never met lives. Lily comes across a pit bull named Smooshie and falls in love with her. Smooshie is up for adoption from Parker's Pit Bull Rescue Center, and he feels they are a perfect match. A murder happens, and Lily is trying to help find out who did it because they are putting the blame on Parker. This is a great new to me series, and I look forward to reading on. I can't wait to see what happens with Lily and Parker. I absolutely love Smooshie, too.
Profile Image for Kristine .
1,803 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2018
This is the first book in a new series and I loved it! Lily is starting life over in a new town - a new human town, you see LIly is a cougar shfter. The other other shifter in town is her uncle, who she has never met. Filled with murder, and mayhem this is a story that will quickly grab your attention and keep you glued to the pages. The author does a wonderful job of plotting the mystery as well as pacing the story. Suspects abound so you will be kept trying to figure out who the real culprit is. I look forward to reading about these characters in the future.

I received a copy of this manuscript from the author. I have submitted my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lory.
3,264 reviews33 followers
March 2, 2018
I didn't what to expect while reading Lily story. This entertaining and enjoyable read is filled with so much secret, drama, and mayhem. Sparks flew between Lily and Parker but I guess it's too soon to exactly pinpoint what's going to happen between the both of them but I really do hope they end up together they make a pretty good couple specially with there love of dogs plus Lily deserve it she's been through so much as it is I want to see her get HEA. Overall a great read I can't wait to see what going to happen next in this series. I voluntarily read and review this ARC I haven't been compensated in any way.
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,781 reviews
November 18, 2021
I love Smooshie!! Lily is sassy, snarky, doesn't understand humans and does not want to fall in love with one,especially with Parker. The plots centers around who killed Katherine, no one's favorite person. There are a lot of suspects, lies, betrayals, and Lily snooping around to solve the mystery, without getting herself killed. This is a fun story. I listened on audible and the narrator was fabulous.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
December 19, 2016
Moving to a new town Lily did not know what to expect. Certainly not finding a sexy animal shelter guy or being a suspect in a murder investigation. What else could go wrong?

I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book. This is book 1 of the new cozy series Barkside of the Moon Mysteries by the author.
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,941 reviews29 followers
February 1, 2023
This was a fun read. Lily mason is in a new town, an all human town, where her uncle Buzz has blended in. She’s planning on doing the same and living as a full human instead of an openly were-cougar. Meeting Parker, owner of the local animal shelter, where’s she’s adopted my Swoosie, Lily is ready for her new start… that is until the town harridan/nag/witch/ blackmailer is murdered and and Parker is arrested.

Determined to clear Parker of the murder, Lily sets out to investigate over the objection of the local Sheriff. Along with Nadine, a deputy, Lily uncovers suspects and town secrets, discovering why the victim was so hated.

Overall, this was a good series debut. It was well paced, addresses issues such as PTSD, and grief.
959 reviews
August 14, 2022
Lilly goes to Moonrise to find her uncle that she has never met. She wants to find a connection to family. She finds a wonderful town to adopt! What she also finds is a murder to solve to clear the first friend that she meets there. She bumps into Parker, who is the owner of Pit Bull Rescue Center who just happened to be walking the best dog ever – Smoochie, which Lilly adopts. Parker is implicated in the murder and the town secrets unravel from there. Looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Christa Schönmann Abbühl.
1,171 reviews22 followers
November 16, 2022
Nice cozy mystery with a shifter heroine who tries to live among humans. Her backstory is pretty grim for a cozy.

Apparently this book is part of an existing world, and other stories by the author came before this series.

The mystery was interesting enough, the listen short and sweet. There is enough stuff going on for one or more sequels.

Two dogs play an important role, and we get to meet a lot of people, all of whom have reasons for wanting the murder victim dead.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
41 reviews
February 23, 2023
Did I just finish this book, and am unable to recall anything significant from this story? Yes, yes that is the case.

I really wanted to like this story. Unfortunately the backstory was WAY TOO RUSHED with little to no explanation , the characters were forgettable, the attractions predictable, and the magic aspect was not covered nearly enough.

It was a good try , and hopefully someone else gets more out of it then I did, but I will not be finishing the series. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Cozybooklady .
2,177 reviews120 followers
September 5, 2019
Fun story

A bit paranormal, a bit but mystery and a bit of romance all tied up in this fast paced story.
20 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2020
Excellent

What a different book. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. So different and educational. I looked Up the description of what the character was so I could understand the character better.highly recommend.
Profile Image for Bri_winter.
159 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2024
A nice cozy mystery. The beginning was a bit confusing but it got better.
Will probably only read it once.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews

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