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Hound on the Sound

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Pepper Sullivan is dying to jettison her job at the big city law firm, so when she finds a house on the water at an amazing price, she grabs it . . . only to discover that most of the folks in her old hometown believe the place is haunted.

Once back in Misty-on-the-Sound, Pepper has to contend with her old boyfriend the sheriff, her nosy mother, and the town’s shady lawyer. All this while starting her own law practice and trying to find time for her original passion—singing.

With the help of her trusty legal beagle, Mr. Woogles, can Pepper figure out what’s going on before the house turns on her?

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2019

383 people are currently reading
282 people want to read

About the author

Jessa Archer

25 books170 followers
Jessa Archer writes sweet, funny, warm-hearted cozy mysteries because she loves a good puzzle and can't stand the sight of blood. Her characters are witty, adventurous, and crafty in the nicest way. You'll find her sleuths hand lettering inspirational quotes, trying to lower golf handicaps, enjoying a scone at a favorite teashop, knitting a sweater, or showing off a dramatic side in local theater.

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5 stars
211 (42%)
4 stars
160 (32%)
3 stars
97 (19%)
2 stars
21 (4%)
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10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Allie York.
Author 39 books535 followers
April 20, 2020
Maybe this is what I get for going into books blind, but when I see the words "cozy mystery" I expect there to actually be a mystery and for the main character to solve it. There is no murder unless you count a "witch" burning from generations before. I have no issues with short little mysteries, but I want there to be an actual mystery involved. I guess this one missed the mark for me.
Profile Image for Sue.
596 reviews19 followers
June 6, 2019
In this mini-mystery/introduction to the new Legal Beagle cozy mystery series, you get the opportunity to meet Pepper, her trusty beagle Mr. Woogles, some of her childhood friends, the town’s shady lawyer, and her overbearing mother. Pepper Sullivan is ready to give up the life of as a big city lawyer and move to the quiet town of Misty-on-the-Sound. This is the town she grew up in and loved. Pepper’s plans are to buy a house and put out a shingle letting everyone know there is a new lawyer in town. When she wins the bid on a house that is on the water, she is amazed she got such a deal until she finds out that the townsfolk believe it is haunted. Now Pepper and her pooch are on a mission to find out the history of the house and solve the strange nightly happenings.

This is a great intro to a cute cozy mystery series. It is filled with multidimensional characters, an adorable canine companion, quirky townsfolk, and a mystery ready to unfold.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristin.
772 reviews10 followers
December 3, 2019
Fun little mini mystery. Quick read. Nice and enjoyable.
490 reviews9 followers
August 11, 2020
What could and should have been a pleasant read was spoiled by the fact that the author is ignorant in the workings of the law and did not even see fit to check out what she was writing.
First: In a transfer of real estate transaction, it is the responsibility and obligation of the seller to give clear title to the subject property: i.e. Clear of all obligations, liens and encumbrances. Such liens, etc. are deducted from the SELLER'S proceeds and in no way are the responsibility of the Buyer.
Second: When a mortgage is given to a bank, the bank requires a mortgagee policy of title insurance insuring that its mortgage is a first lien on the subject property. A proper title search, including mortgages, liens, judgments, etc. is commissioned and its results are what the title company relies upon when issuing the policy. Should a lien be missed, the onus to satisfy it is still on the seller, or in case of a title policy, the title policy insurer (who will then go after the seller), but never on the buyer.
Although there are different laws in different states regarding real estate transactions, the abovementioned are requirements in all of the 50 states in the United States. If Pepper is not cognizant of same, I am not sure where she might have gone to law school or what BAR exam she passed to become a lawyer, but she better get her stuff together or turn in her license.
It is a shame, because I enjoyed most of the story, but hesitate to read anything further written in this series as, having spent over 50 years with the law, I do hate to see it misquoted.
408 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2020
Ghost legends

Buying a house is one thing, but dealing with a swindler lawyer is
another. Then after moving in to said bought house, you find out it's
haunted. On top of this the ghost is mad, it happens that this ghost was
hung as a witch. When she was innocent, now she wants justice and
her name cleared. Can pepper and Mr. Wooggle find the lost ring and clear
the Cantel ghost name in time, or will Pepper and her beagle end up dealing
with the Cantel ghost furry for failing. Read it and find out. I read it till the end.Couldn't put it down, a great and humerus mystery.
Debra H.
Profile Image for Jessica.
998 reviews
August 1, 2019
* I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*. What a cute introduction to the world of a lawyer looking forward to getting away from the big city life, and a return to her small waterfront town where she's bought a possibly haunted house. Accompanied by her very smart beagle she works to uncover the mystery behind the house, and in this short you're introduced to some of the key players of the town. I'll definitely be picking up another of this cozy mystery series.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
June 7, 2019
Pepper Sullivan is moving back to her hometown Misty-on-the-Sound from Manhattan. She’s ready to open her own law office at the old Victorian house at 22 Waterview and is a bit confused as to why she didn’t have any competition at the foreclosure auction in bidding on the property. An older lady, Elizabeth Cantwell, congratulated her on her purchase and told her if she were good to the house, it would be good to her? She thought it strange until she remembered that was the family name of a woman who was hanged as a witch in Misty some . . . three hundred years ago!

On moving day, Pepper found she had only one of two keys she would need to get into the house – and the moving van was right behind her! There would be a stiff penalty if they had to keep her furniture overnight. She called the sleazy attorney who handled settlement and he informed her that she owed an additional $1,700 and could not enter the home until it was paid! Fortunately, she found a small door in the back of the house that was not dead-bolted like the front and her key unlocked it. From inside, she could unlock the deadbolt and let the movers bring it all in. The attorney arrived and called Logan, her high school boyfriend and now police chief, to throw her out. But her friends and mom grabbed all the cash they could – because the sleazy attorney would not take her check! – and they paid him. Logan stayed until everyone had left to tell Pepper that his marriage of 15 years had ended. She thought he would kiss her, but he shook her hand goodbye. Then he knocked again since he left his cell phone on the table. And this time, he pulled her close and kissed her. Both of them had not lost their feelings for each other. As she settled in bed for her first night and was drifting off to sleep, loud banging upstairs startled her awake! But when she followed her dog upstairs, there was no one there.

Going through a Historical Society book the next day, Pepper saw the entry: 1652, Fairfield, Connecticut - Mary Cantwell - Convicted of Witchcraft and Hanged by the Neck until Dead. Pepper walked her dog along the beach as they headed to Liz Cantwell's cottage where she learned the story of her family. Mary Cantwell had been a servant for a rich couple. She was not a witch, but she did know lots of herbal remedies and tried to help John Brighton when he was ill. He gave her his signet ring to thank her. It was thought his jealous wife stole the ring from Mary so she couldn’t return it after John Brighton died. His wife then accused her of poisoning him through witchcraft. The clergy man who verified this later married the wealthy widow. But no one had tried to clear Mary’s name. What would it take for Pepper to do that for her?

This was an adorable book about getting a new start, cherishing old friends, and maybe even getting a second chance at love. The story line was good and introduced us to the characters we will no doubt be seeing in future books. It leaves the reader wanting to see what else is in store for Mr. Woogles and Pepper as she starts her new life back home. Get in on the ground floor – it promises to be a wild ride!
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book118 followers
June 8, 2019
Pepper is returning to her hometown after time in the big city to open up her own law firm. She's able to buy a property at a steal, which she does question but is happy about. The sleazy lawyer in town gives her a hard time when she moves in, but with a little help from friends and family, she is able to work it out. An old flame is now the sheriff, and he's recently separated from his wife. Why was the property such a steal? Will there be a second chance at romance for Pepper as well?

The hound mentioned in the title is Mr. Woogles, and while I am not a dog person, I thought he was very cute indeed. Pepper's interactions with him were adorable. Even though this is a short story, I felt like we got to know some of the characters in town somewhat. I like the promise of a little bit of romance in the future stories and in this series. The author writes description well, allowing the reader to visualize places and settings. The dialogue felt natural.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
1,187 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2019
Pepper Sullivan, a lawyer, is moving back to her home town, Misty-on-the-Sound, and has just bought a beautiful old house with an amazing ocean view. Mr. Woggies her trusty legal beagles is excited about the move too. She knows their will be growing pains with her new law practice, her high strung mother, her ex boyfriend, the sheriff and her competition a shady lawyer. What is doesn’t think was going to happen is that the reason she got the house so cheap was because everyone believes the house is haunted.

What a great cozy mystery and an introduction into a series. The characters are clearly describes with interesting personalities and some are just kooky enough to give a bit of humour. The scenery is described in just the right amount of detailed allow the reader to imagine where the story is taking place. You definitely get the small town vibe. The dialogue is great, adding depth to the storyline. This is a short, easy to read cozy mystery that has got me hooked. I cannot wait for the next book to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,020 reviews45 followers
June 10, 2019
With a beagle named Mr. Woogles by her side, a gal can hardly go wrong. He is the kind of dog who pretty much always has your back. He seems to be a good judge of character & good at finding things too!

When Pepper moves back to her home town, she buys an allegedly haunted home at auction. Family feuds and secrets echo there.

Pepper hopes to open her own law firm - much better than doing grunt work at a big city firm, right? Roger Winthorpe, currently the only lawyer in town, finds a way to make his displeasure known .

Together with Mr. Woogles, Pepper has a chance at a whole new life, with friends and family as well - and maybe to address some lingering past challenges.

A clean and humorous KU mystery and romantic adventure.

I read the book on Kindle Unlimited. I also got an advance copy from Booksprout.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
943 reviews12 followers
March 21, 2022
This is a short read that sets up the Legal Beagle series.

Attorney Pepper buys a house at auction and moves back to her hometown with her sweet puppy in tow.
Once there she encounters her high school sweetheart who is the town sheriff, and the mean lawyer in town.

Even though cozy mysteries do usually have a murder within them, this one doesn't as such. The mystery is a little different but I found that it was written so fun and interesting that I was happy just learning about these new characters and the setting of the small town.

I will definitely read more of the Legal Beagle series as I really enjoyed this one plus I'd love to see what happens between Pepper and her old love.

If you are looking for a short read and like fun cozy mysteries, this is one to try. It's currently free on amazon.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews54 followers
May 18, 2019
Too short

A good read but just as you were getting to know the characters and get into the story - it ended. Hope the next one is longer. Loved the characters (apart from the conniving, sleazy attorney) and especially Mr Woogles but hope she and Logan don't get together. He's still married and he's already dumped her once.
Buying the house was just too easy and the price was a steal. Why did no-one else bid on it? Why does everyone know the house? False accusations, a trumped up lies and bumps in the night. Is there anyway of proving the innocence of a young girl accused of witchcraft centuries ago?
Profile Image for Miranda Remaklus.
119 reviews11 followers
September 10, 2023
The story had real potential but epically failed. I finished it because of the dog. Honestly. The dog was the best part of this story. The main female character was so obnoxious. She bought a house that was haunted. The story of the haunting and the potential resolution, brought by the dog, would have been much better. Instead the focus was on the main female character. And she was just the worst. While it may be better, I don’t see myself reading the main books in this series. Not impressed. They had a great story potential and just buried it. I’m disappointed. Mr. Woogles, the dog, really was the best.
251 reviews1 follower
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June 7, 2019
Pepper who is a lawyer and tired of life in the big city and big firms decides to move back to her home town of Misty On The Sound with her beagle Mr Woogles. It doesn't take long for her to tangle with the only other lawyer and town or discover that she may have purchased a haunted house. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Pepper and Mr Woogles. This was a fun read and really quick. An awesome start of a new series by this author. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,992 reviews16 followers
June 12, 2019
Pepper is returning to her hometown after giving up on a lucrative job in the city. It had been boring and required too much time. Back home she buys a house for a steal - to find out that people believe that the house is haunted. Having to deal with an dishonest lawyer and mysterious banging at night in her attic - she has some things to solve.
A nice introduction into the stories of Pepper and her dog Mr. Woogles, and all of their friends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,352 reviews18 followers
June 12, 2019
A cute story that's fun to read. Pepper Sullivan is moving back to her hometown to start her own law firm and has purchased an old home, at a foreclosure auction. People in town are positive the home is haunted. Now she's on a mission to find out the history of the house and what happened to make everyone believe it's haunted. All this in addition to starting her own law firm. A fun and entertaining read and I can't wait to read more from this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Heather W.
4,065 reviews35 followers
June 9, 2019
What a great story and Mr. Woogles is adorable. His human, Pepper, buys a haunted house and they have to solve a decades-old mystery to live there safely and happily. This is a nice quick read for relaxation and enjoyment. With wonderful characters and a historical mystery, it keeps you engaged until the end. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gisela Crossley-zels.
164 reviews
June 11, 2019
A softly spoken introduction to a series of books. This is the first I read from this author and I loved it. I really like the tone of her writing and this first short book about Pepper Sullivan and her move to Misty-on-the-Sound, wet my appetite for more in the series. There were quite a few questions that were hanging in the air to further want me to read the next book/books in the story about the lawyer who really wants to be a singer.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,779 reviews9 followers
June 15, 2019
Perfect intro to the series. Pepper and her pup, Mr. Woogles, move to Misty. It’s her hometown that she’s moving back to and she purchased a home from the bank that was foreclosed. She encounters a horrible real estate attorney that everyone in town hates and also finds out her house may be haunted.
I really enjoyed the start to the series and can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shirley McAllister.
1,084 reviews160 followers
December 11, 2020
Mr. Woogles Saves the Da

Pepper buys a house in her hometown. She never dreamed it would be a haunted house. After talking to Mrs. Cantrell a native of the town she learns the story of the house.

It is Mr Woogles that discovers a secret in the yard by a tree that solves the mystery.

I loved the story, and especially Mr Woogles. He was great growling at the Nasty Mr. Winthrop, the villain in the story.

Was a fun afternoon read about a haunted house in a cozy mystery way.
Profile Image for Deborah.
470 reviews
August 20, 2023
This was super short. A fun quick read with an interesting puppy character. But there are a ton of issues with this. An attorney gets tricked into paying money to someone during a house closing. It’s what they’re trained to do. She left her dog in a locked car during the day in June for 20 mins. Then forgot it’s good and water at least once each. It’s written as though a child wrote it almost. Things adults would think of or know weren’t known or done. Won’t read more by this author.
537 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2019
Cute Tail ( I mean Tale)

This is a cute story about a puppy dog and his owner about by in a house in Connecticut with a history dating back to the 1600s. It is a really short story with a mystery attached and with hope and promise of more mystery to come. Fun read, and looking forward to the next installment.
341 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2019
This was a very quick and entertaining read. I've always believed that our pets can see what we can't. I'm sure that the next book will bring closure, or atleast a continuation, of the interactions between Pepper and other characters. The story was written well and it left the reader wanting to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
229 reviews5 followers
June 7, 2019
This is a great start to what I hope to be a very intriguing cozy mystery series. I like the main character, Pepper. She's plucky and a little quirky and her little pup, Mr. Woogles, seems fabulous! He's also quite a detective in his own right. I am looking forward to reading the next book in Jessa Archer's new series!
884 reviews9 followers
June 11, 2019
I found this to be a cute fast read and introduction to a new series. The characters were fun and the story was good. It appears to me that there are plenty more in store for these characters and I, for one, can’t wait!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,769 reviews23 followers
July 5, 2019
New dings

Short but sweet. A young lawyer decides to lieve the big city law firm and hang her own shingle back in her home town. A crooked lawyer, old flame, ghosts storeys,caring friends and her own home to share with s four legged companion. What will happen in her new venture read "Hound on the Sound "to find out. ☺ Kat
Profile Image for Carol L. Caldwell.
Author 9 books8 followers
September 6, 2020
The story promised to be very interesting. But what I thought was the inciting incident wasn't because it wasn't dealt with. The characters were interesting with tension, especially between our heroine and her ex-beau from high school. Yet the story was over when I was really getting into it. Must have been written as a short story or the pre-story.
Profile Image for Heart DeCoupeville.
285 reviews
September 12, 2023
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.

Short and very, very predictable. Could have been a 3-star intro to the series if it had been fleshed out a little more and if the legalities of buying a house had been researched more. Hint: Don't write about legal stuff if you don't know legal stuff.
1 review
December 29, 2023
Heartfelt Memories

Looking for something interesting to fill a short wait, I found this! I mean...a mystery that has water, sand, a dog And a haunted house? Who could resist? I absolutely loved it! This is a story to be enjoyed by any age person that likes the aforementioned elements.
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