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Dog Town #6
Tried and True in Dog Town
She’s the new judge in Dog Court. Someone is out to reveal her fuzzy, four-legged secret. Can she reform her canine troublemaker in time to save her job?
Marti Forrester hates saying no, especially to the Mayor of Dorset Hills. So when he appoints her to preside over Dog Court, she reluctantly steps into the robes—even though Hank, her lovable mutt, is the poster dog for poor training. Hank's crazy antics even caused a rift with husband Oliver.
Now Marti is scrambling to cover Hank’s dirty tracks and avoid political mayhem. Can she do some good for the bad dogs of Dog Town despite this canine conflict of interest?
When a mysterious enemy threatens to expose Marti and Hank, she digs deep into the secrets of Dog Town's old guard. The politics turn nasty, giving her exactly the push she needs. Can she say yes to doing the right thing… for Hank, for Oliver, and for Dog Town itself?
If you love dogs, humor and romance with your mysteries, Book 5 in this heartwarming series for animal lovers will pull you right back into the quirky Dog Town world. You won’t want to leave till you finish the COMPLETE series of 11 books.
Marti Forrester hates saying no, especially to the Mayor of Dorset Hills. So when he appoints her to preside over Dog Court, she reluctantly steps into the robes—even though Hank, her lovable mutt, is the poster dog for poor training. Hank's crazy antics even caused a rift with husband Oliver.
Now Marti is scrambling to cover Hank’s dirty tracks and avoid political mayhem. Can she do some good for the bad dogs of Dog Town despite this canine conflict of interest?
When a mysterious enemy threatens to expose Marti and Hank, she digs deep into the secrets of Dog Town's old guard. The politics turn nasty, giving her exactly the push she needs. Can she say yes to doing the right thing… for Hank, for Oliver, and for Dog Town itself?
If you love dogs, humor and romance with your mysteries, Book 5 in this heartwarming series for animal lovers will pull you right back into the quirky Dog Town world. You won’t want to leave till you finish the COMPLETE series of 11 books.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2018
351 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Sandy Rideout
52 books68 followersSandy Rideout has always been obsessed with animals and writing. She writes humorous and heartwarming mysteries for pet-lovers, including the Bought-the-Farm series (as Ellen Riggs), the Dog Town series, and the paranormal Mystic Mutts series.
Visit Ellen's website at https://ellenriggs.com to sign up for her lighthearted, pet-focused newsletter. Her dogs are highly photogenic and fancy themselves writers, as well.
Visit Ellen's website at https://ellenriggs.com to sign up for her lighthearted, pet-focused newsletter. Her dogs are highly photogenic and fancy themselves writers, as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 5, 2019
I loved this book. It is a romantic comedy about a dog court ‘judge’ who tries to hide her crazy Bernedoodle’s antics to protect him and the job she hates. Hank gets into one thing after another with his teenage big dog behavior. Clean romantic comedies about dogs have all the elements I love. There is a small amount of suggested language but no actual language. Rated G
March 13, 2023
Marti Forrester has worked tirelessly for the community in Dorset Hill trying to get the governor to open a new community health center. On New Year's Eve, the governor whisks her away from her office in town hall to a new one. An office she didn't even know existed. To a new position she didn't even want. The governor appoints Marti the new judge of canine court. The new policy is "there are no bad dogs in Dog Town." That would be bad publicity. Any misbehaving dog gets taken to court. It's up to Marti to interpret the rules and either issue a fine or banish the dog. How can Marti take on a role when she doesn't understand or agree with the rules? After all her own Bernedoodle, Hank, is not well trained. At least she doesn't have to worry about that as her husband, Oliver, took Hank away with him. When Hank returns home with Marti while Oliver is at a writing retreat, Marti has a difficult time concealing Hank's antics. It seems as if at least one person knows all about it. A stalker keeps posting videos of Hank's misbehavior online and labeling Marti a hypocrite. She just had to put up with hiding Hank and hurting families for 6 months and then the governor will give her what she wants. Right? Meanwhile, a hot yoga instructor seems to be after Oliver. Should Marti let him go? Hank seems happier when he's with Oliver. If she lets Hank go, she'll be alone and miss them both. What is the right decision?
Another sad story from Dog Town about a couple who needs to learn how to communicate and learn dog training 101. Once again Cori swoops in to help train an unruly dog. Everything she says is right but Marti doesn't have time to train Hank. Hank needs boot camp ASAP! I have a soft spot for the naughty dogs but Hank really is badly behaved. He needs to at least learn "stay", "come", and "leave it!/drop it!" He's so naughty but it's mostly his humans' fault. They haven't had time for each other, let alone him.
Marti has a lot of issues. I get the impression Oliver talked her into something she wasn't ready for. He may not have been ready for the relationship to be permanent either. When she wasn't ready for kids, they got a puppy. Big mistake. She threw herself into her work to avoid talking about the big problems in her marriage. I don't doubt she's passionate about community health but it's all she lives and breaths. Oliver is at fault too because his response is to go away- for 7 weeks and then return for a minute and then leave again. He's rather self-centered. He never asks Marti if he can leave Hank with her but even if he did, Marti can't say no. She needs to grow a backbone.
The mayor is such a slimeball. He gives me the creeps. I don't trust him and I don't believe for a minute he'll give Marti what she wants. He spied on her, stalked her and knew how to get to her. He doesn't understand dogs at all and is very image conscious. He was elected on a conservative platform but what is that exactly? Dog Town has gone to the dogs literally so it needs to be more dog friendly! Not just for tourists but for residents. Dogs are dogs. They're going to get into the garbage, the human food, chase, nip, herd, pee, chew, etc. Even the most well-trained dogs act like dogs (witness Princess). It's heartless and cruel to banish dogs from Dog Town. Good thing they have the Rescue Mafia. It's the owners who lose out.
Cori is kind of hypocritical in this story. The arguments she presents against neutering are so completely bogus. Neutering prevents cancer, unwanted puppies, aggression and behavior issues. I've never heard of any of the so-called treatments and arguments in this novel. Also I'm mad at Cori. Cori needs to get on her high horse and tell everyone that "Doodle" anything is not a breed and people need to stop breeding high strung Poodles with every other known breed. Some breeds don't go together. Do any of these so-called breeders do health and temperament testing? Do they match the personality and lifestyle of the human to the dog? This town is nuts. It's kitschy not dog friendly.
Marti's BFF Tonna is crazy but she's showing signs of maturing and settling down. Marti is hypocritical and pushes Tonna to do things Marti doesn't seem to want for herself. Lotus Fiore, a vegan dog bakery owner, is nuts. No dog wants to or should be vegan. They need protein like beef, fish, duck, chicken. Homemade dog food and treats are great but it doesn't sound like this woman has consulted a vet. I don't even think she likes dogs! Vincent, the meat market owner, is an old guard Dorset Hills citizen. He isn't a fan of this new kitschy town and their ridiculous rules. His dog, Guido, is not a bad dog, he's a dog. If anything, he's very well-behaved because he lives at a meat market! Still, Marti must send Guido away for a minor infraction. That evil Lotus woman wins which is so unfair. The family is heartbroken at the loss of their companion. That is just cruel, especially to children. The business is failing too. Way to kick a man when he's down. It's not Marti's fault. It's the mayor's fault for putting her in that position and for making the silly rules in the first place.
There are several others who also have it out for a naughty dog, one who barely did anything wrong except... you guessed it- act like a dog. Now I've never heard of a dog doing what some of these dogs do. Chase/kill chickens? Yes. Chase a woman in a fur coat over a fence? No. Nip a child as prey? Maybe sometimes. Angus McFadden, a Scottish Terrier, is my favorite of the naughty dogs. He does what he was bred to do. None of these people seem to understand that.
Cliff Whorley was supposed to be the head of the Canine Corrections Department. He resents someone else, particularly a woman, being placed above him. I don't blame him for the first but he is sexist and barely hides his resentment. I think he might be Marti's stalker. I don't think it is Cori because she prefers calling people out to their face or being stealthy and sneaking dogs away. How did the stalker see what went on in Oliver's hotel room? Is Oliver the stalker? Is he trying to get Marti to resign and leave Dorset Hills with Hank? He's not a very nice husband if that's the case.
I like the new dog warden, Kinney Butterfield. She's sensible, sassy, smart and knows dogs. She's a valuable asset to both people and canines in Dog Town. I think she's friendly with the Mafia. If she isn't, she will be soon enough. They need someone on the inside.
This wasn't my favorite of the series and thankfully I read head so I know what happens but it was nice to go back and fill in the blanks.
Another sad story from Dog Town about a couple who needs to learn how to communicate and learn dog training 101. Once again Cori swoops in to help train an unruly dog. Everything she says is right but Marti doesn't have time to train Hank. Hank needs boot camp ASAP! I have a soft spot for the naughty dogs but Hank really is badly behaved. He needs to at least learn "stay", "come", and "leave it!/drop it!" He's so naughty but it's mostly his humans' fault. They haven't had time for each other, let alone him.
Marti has a lot of issues. I get the impression Oliver talked her into something she wasn't ready for. He may not have been ready for the relationship to be permanent either. When she wasn't ready for kids, they got a puppy. Big mistake. She threw herself into her work to avoid talking about the big problems in her marriage. I don't doubt she's passionate about community health but it's all she lives and breaths. Oliver is at fault too because his response is to go away- for 7 weeks and then return for a minute and then leave again. He's rather self-centered. He never asks Marti if he can leave Hank with her but even if he did, Marti can't say no. She needs to grow a backbone.
The mayor is such a slimeball. He gives me the creeps. I don't trust him and I don't believe for a minute he'll give Marti what she wants. He spied on her, stalked her and knew how to get to her. He doesn't understand dogs at all and is very image conscious. He was elected on a conservative platform but what is that exactly? Dog Town has gone to the dogs literally so it needs to be more dog friendly! Not just for tourists but for residents. Dogs are dogs. They're going to get into the garbage, the human food, chase, nip, herd, pee, chew, etc. Even the most well-trained dogs act like dogs (witness Princess). It's heartless and cruel to banish dogs from Dog Town. Good thing they have the Rescue Mafia. It's the owners who lose out.
Cori is kind of hypocritical in this story. The arguments she presents against neutering are so completely bogus. Neutering prevents cancer, unwanted puppies, aggression and behavior issues. I've never heard of any of the so-called treatments and arguments in this novel. Also I'm mad at Cori. Cori needs to get on her high horse and tell everyone that "Doodle" anything is not a breed and people need to stop breeding high strung Poodles with every other known breed. Some breeds don't go together. Do any of these so-called breeders do health and temperament testing? Do they match the personality and lifestyle of the human to the dog? This town is nuts. It's kitschy not dog friendly.
Marti's BFF Tonna is crazy but she's showing signs of maturing and settling down. Marti is hypocritical and pushes Tonna to do things Marti doesn't seem to want for herself. Lotus Fiore, a vegan dog bakery owner, is nuts. No dog wants to or should be vegan. They need protein like beef, fish, duck, chicken. Homemade dog food and treats are great but it doesn't sound like this woman has consulted a vet. I don't even think she likes dogs! Vincent, the meat market owner, is an old guard Dorset Hills citizen. He isn't a fan of this new kitschy town and their ridiculous rules. His dog, Guido, is not a bad dog, he's a dog. If anything, he's very well-behaved because he lives at a meat market! Still, Marti must send Guido away for a minor infraction. That evil Lotus woman wins which is so unfair. The family is heartbroken at the loss of their companion. That is just cruel, especially to children. The business is failing too. Way to kick a man when he's down. It's not Marti's fault. It's the mayor's fault for putting her in that position and for making the silly rules in the first place.
There are several others who also have it out for a naughty dog, one who barely did anything wrong except... you guessed it- act like a dog. Now I've never heard of a dog doing what some of these dogs do. Chase/kill chickens? Yes. Chase a woman in a fur coat over a fence? No. Nip a child as prey? Maybe sometimes. Angus McFadden, a Scottish Terrier, is my favorite of the naughty dogs. He does what he was bred to do. None of these people seem to understand that.
Cliff Whorley was supposed to be the head of the Canine Corrections Department. He resents someone else, particularly a woman, being placed above him. I don't blame him for the first but he is sexist and barely hides his resentment. I think he might be Marti's stalker. I don't think it is Cori because she prefers calling people out to their face or being stealthy and sneaking dogs away. How did the stalker see what went on in Oliver's hotel room? Is Oliver the stalker? Is he trying to get Marti to resign and leave Dorset Hills with Hank? He's not a very nice husband if that's the case.
I like the new dog warden, Kinney Butterfield. She's sensible, sassy, smart and knows dogs. She's a valuable asset to both people and canines in Dog Town. I think she's friendly with the Mafia. If she isn't, she will be soon enough. They need someone on the inside.
This wasn't my favorite of the series and thankfully I read head so I know what happens but it was nice to go back and fill in the blanks.
January 3, 2019
Not my cup of dog yummies
I love dogs. All dogs. I very much enjoyed the antics of the dogs in this book. The characters, however, were
just plain stupid and ruined what could have been a nice story. Instead, it was irritating at best.
I love dogs. All dogs. I very much enjoyed the antics of the dogs in this book. The characters, however, were
just plain stupid and ruined what could have been a nice story. Instead, it was irritating at best.
December 23, 2018
Cute story but not a romance
This revolved around the town and the dogs, which was entertaining, but there was very little about Marti and Oliver's relationship which was disappointing to me.
This revolved around the town and the dogs, which was entertaining, but there was very little about Marti and Oliver's relationship which was disappointing to me.
January 7, 2019
Tried and True in dog town
Liked the storyline and characters in this book. Marti and Oliver are having problems communicating about their feelings. Having a huge dog who misbehave doesn't help the situation. Oliver leaves with Hank the dog for several weeks and while he is gone Marti is forced by the mayor to take the position of director of canine correction. Witch she has to act as judge of other people's bad dogs. Then Oliver comes back and leaves Marti with Hank for two weeks so he can take a writing course. All check breaks loose when Hank is spotted doing bad things. I would recommend this book to animal lover's who like romances too.
Liked the storyline and characters in this book. Marti and Oliver are having problems communicating about their feelings. Having a huge dog who misbehave doesn't help the situation. Oliver leaves with Hank the dog for several weeks and while he is gone Marti is forced by the mayor to take the position of director of canine correction. Witch she has to act as judge of other people's bad dogs. Then Oliver comes back and leaves Marti with Hank for two weeks so he can take a writing course. All check breaks loose when Hank is spotted doing bad things. I would recommend this book to animal lover's who like romances too.
December 31, 2018
When being political correct goes bad
A good read but wish it had had an ending were the visions held had to be rebuffed publicly. Good characters although her determination to stay at a job she is hating or refuse to switch jobs had me stumped. Why? Life's too short to be that miserable.
She's getting her presentation re public health care a polish when the mayor bulldozed her with the news that her job is now as judge in cases of 'bad dogs'. Reeling from this and the betrayal of her husband (and the family dog) walking out several months ago, she tries to make the best of it. Neighbours ratting out neighbours on bad dog behaviour grow as old and new grudges boil over. How long can she stand this? The return of the errant husband and the very disobedient dog cause even more problems leading to someone trying to discredit her and more importantly her dog. What will she do when she has to choose between the job and the dog? Or will she try to ride it out?
A good read but wish it had had an ending were the visions held had to be rebuffed publicly. Good characters although her determination to stay at a job she is hating or refuse to switch jobs had me stumped. Why? Life's too short to be that miserable.
She's getting her presentation re public health care a polish when the mayor bulldozed her with the news that her job is now as judge in cases of 'bad dogs'. Reeling from this and the betrayal of her husband (and the family dog) walking out several months ago, she tries to make the best of it. Neighbours ratting out neighbours on bad dog behaviour grow as old and new grudges boil over. How long can she stand this? The return of the errant husband and the very disobedient dog cause even more problems leading to someone trying to discredit her and more importantly her dog. What will she do when she has to choose between the job and the dog? Or will she try to ride it out?
January 3, 2019
A convoluted story
I love dogs and was disappointed in this book. The plot is ridiculous and the characters are not developed. If there not been a few lines that made me smile I would have rated this book with one star.
I love dogs and was disappointed in this book. The plot is ridiculous and the characters are not developed. If there not been a few lines that made me smile I would have rated this book with one star.
April 12, 2022
The premise of this one seemed a bit silly.
October 10, 2025
I didn't find this much of a romance, but dog lovers may enjoy it. The Dog Town ethos has led to a town becoming a parody of itself in this novella. The protagonist has a job in public health and is reassigned to preside over a fake court enforcing a new bylaw that only well-behaved dogs can live in the town. Residents seem obliged to comply. I don't know how legal this would be. In Dublin a council was able to order people owning dogs of banned dangerous breeds to remove the dog from the council-owned house, but on private property that would not apply. The dogs in this story don't seem dangerous; there is a terrier that kills someone's pet rat, an overactive male dog chasing a female dog. Generally, the dogs need obedience training. What's suspicious is that the judge's own pet dog is up to all the same tricks. Can she get her pet under control, before she loses the job - and her husband?
The setting is a snowy winter with much need for outerwear.
I read a Kindle version. This is an unbiased review.
The setting is a snowy winter with much need for outerwear.
I read a Kindle version. This is an unbiased review.
December 26, 2018
I enjoyed this sweet romantic comedy centered around Dorsett Hills also known as "Dog Town," a branding devised to attract visitors and new residents as the most dog friendly town anywhere. The problem is a one-strike law that banishes any dogs with behavioral problems with no second chances. Marti is coerced into being a judge in Dog Court, a job she didn't want and for which she is unqualified emotionally. Her and her wayward husband Oliver's dog, Hank, is a loveable but proverbial bad dog. Protecting Hank and winning Oliver back had me laughing out loud. A bit of lighthearted read on Christmas day.
October 4, 2018
Marti got a bad deal, when the mayor reassigned her. She makes the best of her time as the Judge in Dog court, but she makes enemies. Her estranged husband, Oliver, throws a monkey wrench in her plans, when he leaves Hank, their dog, with her. How can she judge fairly, when she can’t even control Hank, lol. I thought that the Mayor’s luncheon was hilarious. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Sandy Rideout is one of my new favorite authors.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 6, 2018
I love the concept of Dog Town, but we need to run this mayor out of town! I vote for no bad mayors! (When you read the book, you will understand.) Forcing poor Marti to be a judge who banishes bad dogs (especially since she owns one) is cruel and unusual punishment. With her own bad dog, a failing marriage, a mystery, and being the bad guy separating families from their pets, it is amazing that Sandy Rideout can bring this tale to a very satisfying conclusion. Do not miss the lastest episode of insanity in Dog Town!
June 30, 2019
description: "Marti Forrester hates saying no. So when the mayor appoints her to preside over dog court, she steps up--even though Hank, her own despicable darling, is the poster dog for poor training. Hank's misdeeds nibbled away at her marriage until husband Oliver took a break--with the dog. Now Hank is back and she's scrambling to cover his dirty tracks to avoid a scandal."
Another good book, #4 in the Dogtown series. Good characters, more small-town politics, and some great dogs! Really good continuing characters such as Cori the dog-trainer and Remi with her dog Leo.
Another good book, #4 in the Dogtown series. Good characters, more small-town politics, and some great dogs! Really good continuing characters such as Cori the dog-trainer and Remi with her dog Leo.
July 19, 2023
Dogs and the Mayor is out of control!
The Mayor has gone bonkers in the town that supposedly loves dogs! He’s established a NO BAD DOGS policy and a court to judge them. Unfortunately, the plan backfires when he picks Marty as the Dog Court judge. I loved her huge dog, Hank, and his crazy antics, and his willingness to eat anything kept me laughing out loud! The list is endless! I’ve only read a couple of the books in this series but I’d definitely like to read more!
The Mayor has gone bonkers in the town that supposedly loves dogs! He’s established a NO BAD DOGS policy and a court to judge them. Unfortunately, the plan backfires when he picks Marty as the Dog Court judge. I loved her huge dog, Hank, and his crazy antics, and his willingness to eat anything kept me laughing out loud! The list is endless! I’ve only read a couple of the books in this series but I’d definitely like to read more!
October 8, 2018
What a wonderful Dog Town story! Of course, the star was Hank, the Bernadoodle. He caused so much trouble! I had to laugh since he isn’t my dog!
I love getting to know more of the residents in Dog Town. Tonna, the doggy daycare owner, and all of the hilarious characters that went to Dog Court. What a hoot! And my favorites, the Rescue Mafia, with Cori, the trainer, leading the way.
I love getting to know more of the residents in Dog Town. Tonna, the doggy daycare owner, and all of the hilarious characters that went to Dog Court. What a hoot! And my favorites, the Rescue Mafia, with Cori, the trainer, leading the way.
April 11, 2022
Marti just irritated me. She lets people walk all over her including her dog. I found her to be a hypocrite. The antics of all the dogs were humorous. Cori the dog trainer even when she is not tactful. I would love a Dog Town, I just don't like the twisted politics of it. I read in Mischief in Dog Town - The Complete Series (Dog Town #0-9).
August 14, 2024
A Fun and Convoluted Cozy!
I've heard of criminal, civil and family court - but Doggie Court? Well, it is Dog Town and the mysteries and grievances all revolve around DOGS. The story is like all cozies, clean from profanity and sex and suitable for teens and adults. It's a bit silly, yes, but fun. Read and enjoy.
I've heard of criminal, civil and family court - but Doggie Court? Well, it is Dog Town and the mysteries and grievances all revolve around DOGS. The story is like all cozies, clean from profanity and sex and suitable for teens and adults. It's a bit silly, yes, but fun. Read and enjoy.
December 25, 2018
Needed to grow the characters more...no one made an impression. Cute story .
The main character was too self-absorbed. I really don't like that I have to write an essay to leave a review😖😖😖😖
The main character was too self-absorbed. I really don't like that I have to write an essay to leave a review😖😖😖😖
December 26, 2018
Wonderful cozy romance mystery!
I have loved every book in this second chance at romance in Dog Town series. The characters are entertaining and writing is top notch. I can hardly wait to read the next book!
I have loved every book in this second chance at romance in Dog Town series. The characters are entertaining and writing is top notch. I can hardly wait to read the next book!
January 6, 2019
A fun quick read
Buried in work and losing all the things that matters, Marti gets rescued by a very bad decision by the town Mayor . A promotion she is not qualified for and an undisciplined Burnidoodle.
Buried in work and losing all the things that matters, Marti gets rescued by a very bad decision by the town Mayor . A promotion she is not qualified for and an undisciplined Burnidoodle.
December 22, 2018
Nice cozy
Nice cozy mystery. Great for dog lovers. Good characters that develop into a fun story. Nice change from murder mysteries
Nice cozy mystery. Great for dog lovers. Good characters that develop into a fun story. Nice change from murder mysteries
December 24, 2018
From the ludicrous to the sublime as rules get out of hand in Dog Town!
Good story line
Good story line
December 27, 2018
Tried and True review
Tried and True in Dog Town is another sweet book in the Dog Town series written by author Sandy Rideout.
Tried and True in Dog Town is another sweet book in the Dog Town series written by author Sandy Rideout.
December 29, 2018
DOGS RULE
I did a lot of laughing!!! This book really opens the thoughts on our judicial system. Animals do have rights and can understand spoken words.
I did a lot of laughing!!! This book really opens the thoughts on our judicial system. Animals do have rights and can understand spoken words.
January 18, 2019
Fun Book with the dog being the one who steals the show
January 30, 2019
DNF. By the 3rd chapter I was uninterested. I don’t mind dogs but this is just too much.
May 27, 2019
Would rate less than one star, if possible ....couldn’t finish it.
August 11, 2019
Great book
I couldn't put the book down . It's a great book about people and how they love their pets .
I couldn't put the book down . It's a great book about people and how they love their pets .
December 18, 2019
Cute book for dog lovers
I don't have a dog. Just read it bc it looked like a holiday romcom and it was. It was a fun quick read. There was one teary moment.
I don't have a dog. Just read it bc it looked like a holiday romcom and it was. It was a fun quick read. There was one teary moment.
February 19, 2021
Beyond stupid
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews