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Spellbound Hound #1

Ain't Nothing but a Pound Dog

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Toby dog suddenly has plenty to say for himself.

The only witness to the brutal murder of his owner, Toby is hexed by a woman with evil intentions. “Speak to none but me,” she tells him.

Wretched and misunderstood, he’s incarcerated in the local pound. With a death sentence hanging over his head, Toby has almost given up hope.

But then he meets Clarissa. Not only is she a witch, she’s a local investigative journalist, and—amazingly—she can understand what he says too.

Finally, he’s found somebody who believes his story.

Can Clarissa save Toby? Will they identify who killed his owner and why?

And will Toby ever eat his fill of sammiches?

Find out in the first instalment of this brand new paranormal cozy dog mystery series from the bestselling author of the beloved Wonky Inn books.

Pre-order it now!

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 22, 2019

425 people are currently reading
124 people want to read

About the author

Jeannie Wycherley

81 books166 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
Profile Image for Judy Slater Harrison.
20 reviews11 followers
July 18, 2021
I found this book very entertaining!

I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book, It actually entertained me more than I ever could have Imagined. I immediately fell in love with Toby And I can't wait to continue the series with book 2. Well done!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,864 reviews68 followers
December 26, 2019
Ain't Nothing But a Pound Dog - a review by Rosemary Kenny

*slight spoilers'
A complexly entertaining tale, Ain't Nothing But a Pound Dog by the inimitable Mistress of the Unexpected, is the aptly named Jeannie Wycherley's new series opener.
Told from main character,Toby the dog's POV, we learn how his master Old Joe is linked by blood to both an evil-minded woman, (who kills him early in the book) and Toby's next owner, benevolent witch/investigative journalist, Clarissa. She can not only understand Toby, but also believes his tale of Old Joe's murder and description of the evil Pointy Woman,as she too suffered at the witch's hands, when only a child.
Together they follow the clues and find evidence to explain how a certain item is worth killing and cursing her opponents for.
Get your copy of this wonderful witchy tale of skulduggery and overcoming the odds, where doing the right thing is not always the quickest route to success, but still wins in the end. More please, Ms Wycherley!

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review of it.
Profile Image for Jami.
2,074 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2024
This was a fast, entertaining read. I enjoyed Clarissa and Toby, and I can't wait to see how this story unfolds. There were more questions than answers provided in book 1, so I will be on to book #2 shortly to see what develops!
1,190 reviews8 followers
December 17, 2019
Toby was happy living with his human Old Joe. They did basically everything together and Old Joe took such great care of him. Then it changed one day when a woman came to see Old Joe. Toby never saw this woman before but Old Joe was happy to see her and invited her in for tea. Toby watched as he fell and see did something to him. Toby was besides himself with grief when she did something to him. The neighbor called the police and Toby is taken to the kennel.
Toby is depressed over his lose over Old Joe that he doesn't try to get adopted. Then this go badly one day at the kennel, all the animals do what they can to free Toby.
Toby gets free and runs and finds himself close to home. He makes it back there and no one has been there since Old Joe passed. He decides to get some sleep and see what he can do. He is awakened by someone being at he house. He doesn't know if he can trust her or if he will be returned to the kennel
Toby goes outside and speaks to the women and to their surprise they understand each other.
Cassie is at the house on a person mission, she finds a lone dog at they house. What he tells her about Old Joe upsets her greatly. She promises to return to Toby so they both can eat.
Together Cassie and Toby will work towards figuring out who the lady was, what is also going on with the other dogs.
This story was really enjoyable. You get to know Toby from the dog's perspective and then the rest of the storyline blends in so nicely. It was a nice book to read to get away for awhile. I am looking to reading more from this series, can't wait to see what Toby and Cassie are up to

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
December 25, 2019
Toby is a dog that can speak and only be understood by the witch who grabbed him and told him he was to speak to no one but her. On that fateful day, Old Joe had allowed her into his home and made her a cup of tea, chatting to her about the weather and what a long time it had been since they’d seen each other. As Old Joe brought out a tray of tea and biscuits for the woman, she kicked her huge handbag in his path. The tray and contents went flying through the air, and Old Joe’s head hit the coffee table on the way down, his bones making a snapping sound as they broke. That was when she pointed to Toby and uttered those words that made him a spellbound hound. Toby was the only witness to the evil crime of the witch, but everyone assumed it was an accident.

Selma is a kind worker at the local kennel who takes care of Toby and the other dogs. [The reader gets a dog’s perspective of what’s going on. Quite an interesting approach to telling the story.] When Clarissa, another witch, meets Toby, she can understand him. Not only that, but she is an investigative journalist and just maybe she can help Toby out of his predicament, as he has been falsely accused of biting the evil witch and will probably be put to death. Can Clarissa save Toby? Can they find proof against the evil witch for her crime?

This is a different kind of story than expected! The story line is good and, as mentioned above, the reader gets a dog’s point-of-view of things. Grab your copy and see if the truth comes out about the murder of Old Joe, and see if Toby’s life will be spared.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
January 10, 2020
Ain't Nothing but a Pound Dog #1 - What a fun book, after you get past the sad start. The storylines are intriguing and I see where this will be an interesting, entertaining and witch-filled series. I enjoy the rapport between the granddaughter and the spellbound dog. Their actions, dialog and love for each could not be better written.

I do picture the Pointy Woman as the Wicked Witch of the West; my interpretation, no flying monkeys mentioned. I do like that Toby is not a smart mouth but a sweet intelligent dog. The police officer is a lovely addition to the characters and I find him very likeable.

Plenty of emotion, humor and intrigue, the perfect mix to keep the reader immersed in the pages. Sadly, the book does end but book two is coming out soon. No cliffhanger, just a continuation of a series similar to the Wonky Inn Series.

I contacted the author to review her books and received this book through Booksprout. 5*

Midnight Garden - What an intriguing story, which I would expect to find on the original Twilight Zone of the Sixties. I could not put this book down; it had my imagination spinning throughout all sorts of scenarios trying to figure out what would happen. I did get a part of it correct, but there was one thing that did not cross my mind at all, the root of all their misery. Well written and quickly read with some messed up characters that either attracted or repulsed depending on the scene. A dark suspense story that is difficult to put down. Do not expect the same genre as the Wonky Inn Series, they are not as dark and do contain humor. I contacted the author to review her books and received this one through Booksprout. 5*

The Wonkiest Witch: Wonky Inn Book #1 - This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed the story. As I became wrapped up in the pages, I started enjoying the storylines and the characters and wondering how much witch Alf would become. Since I've been reading about witches a lot lately, I get bored when I come across another witch refusing to be herself. Why deny what you are; do you give yourself a lobotomy if you're intelligent and want to dumb down to normal? One of my role models, as a kid, was Samantha Stevens, she remained true to herself, and an independent woman, regardless of her silly husband's demands; unlike Jeannie, a beautiful, two-legged Labrador (eager to please her master).

Ms. Wycherley's writing style is conversational and casual. The likable and interesting characters are developing at a good rate and will probably gain more depth as the series continues. The storylines do a good job setting the foundation from which the series will build. Once the intros are made there's plenty of intrigue and suspense. A fire opens a can of troubles bringing the witch in Alf to full acceptance. A unique use of ghosts, which I've never read. I'm curious about the rest of the stories. I found this author on and her book through Booksprout. 4*

The Ghosts of Wonky Inn #2 - As much as I liked the first book, I loved this one. I absolutely love the ghosts and what they can actually do. This is one of the things I love about this series; plus the fact that the witch uses magic instead of denying who she is. The variety of ghostly characters are great. I couldn't put the book down, I was so immersed in the fast paced, funny and intriguing storylines. The characters range in personalities, eras and locations, lending the story depth and substance. I wish all the books of the series had already been published so I could chain read them. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
1,533 reviews
July 27, 2025
Ain't Nothing But A Pound Dog is a bewitching tale about a dog who lost his owner to a terrifying death by a pointy woman. It was a regular day for Old Joe and Toby, the old man and his faithful dog, when the doorbell rang and Joe asked the woman inside for some tea, but the pointy woman (everything about her was pointy) shoved her handbag under Joe's feet causing his untimely death. Toby was inconsolable and had no idea what to do about Joe, but the stranger wasn't done with him, yet. She pointed that very pointy finger at Toby and told him "Speak to no one but me!" At that very moment, Toby became a spellbound hound and the story becomes a delightful, somewhat painful, always enlightening journey for Toby to reunite with his owner. But there are twists and turns that open his eyes to his new reality, a reality that has Clarissa discovering her true identity. I adored Toby's ability to converse with Clarissa and his fellow "pound dogs," as they try to find out who killed Joe and why. It ends in a mini-cliffhanger and I'm ready for the next book.
The narration is exceedingly well-done by Victoria Meakin. It's obvious that she has mastered "dog language" and her voices are absolute perfection.
Profile Image for Jill Anna  Freeman.
549 reviews10 followers
January 8, 2020
Ain’ t Nothing but a Pound Dog: A Paranormal Animal Cozy Mystery” by Jeannie Wycherley is a tale of one hexed and troubled pouch named Toby...who after seeing his owner ..Joe..murdered is hexed by an evil Pointed Woman ...Miranda Dervish....with the cryptic words” “Speak to none but me,”! And THEN to be incarcerated in the local pound ...is almost more then Toby can bear. UNTIL he meets Clarissa Page ...an inquisitive witch ...who not only is an investigative reporter BUT can be understand him!!! Finally...someone who will listen to what Toby knows about Joe’s murder...AND someone to prevent Toby’s own demise (being euthanized). Selma is The kindly pound worker who cares for the animals before they are either adopted or um...the other occurs. Will Clarissa spring Toby from the pound in time...Will Joe finally RIP with justice served....Will the Pointed Woman get her just desserts?!?!? Read and See!! Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,783 reviews72 followers
January 9, 2020
Toby dog suddenly has plenty to say for himself.
The only witness to the brutal murder of his owner, Toby is hexed by a woman with evil intentions. “Speak to none but me,” she tells him.
Wretched and misunderstood, he’s incarcerated in the local pound. With a death sentence hanging over his head, Toby has almost given up hope.
But then he meets Clarissa. Not only is she a witch, she’s a local investigative journalist, and—amazingly—she can understand what he says too.
Finally, he’s found somebody who believes his story.
Can Clarissa save Toby? Will they identify who killed his owner and why?
And will Toby ever eat his fill of sammiches?

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,117 reviews
July 9, 2025
Ohmygod, this is truly, the cutest thing I have ever and will ever read. Toby is officially one of my most favorite literary characters, and wow, is this series underrated.

I strongly recommend diving into this series—this is book 1, so here’s your starting point. It does start out a little sad, but Toby is brilliant and you can count on him to turn things around. With the help of some friends.

The character development and back story and mysteries are expertly woven and at least one still remains, but this book didn’t leave me hanging in any way, if that makes sense. I’m very excited to read on in this world and won’t be able to devour the rest of the series quickly enough.


All the stars for great writing and for Toby.


🎧 Audio:
And the audio! Absolutely perfect. Flawless overall sound quality and a voice actor that almost made it sound full-cast. Beautiful. 5 stars here as well.
478 reviews86 followers
August 19, 2025
Jeannie Wycherley has done it again! Ain’t Nothing But a Pound Dog is a delightful introduction to the Spellbound Hound Magic and Mystery series. The story is packed with intriguing characters, a charming setting, and just the right touch of magic and mystery to keep me hooked from start to finish. Wycherley lays a strong foundation for future books, leaving plenty of questions and threads to explore—I'm already eager to see what comes next!

Victoria Meakin’s narration brings the story to life with warmth and personality, perfectly capturing the cozy and whimsical tone. While there were a few moments where phrases were unintentionally repeated, it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the audiobook.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with a magical twist, this is a must-listen. I’m excited to follow this series and see where it leads!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
1,421 reviews11 followers
Read
December 26, 2019
Toby was the only witness when Miranda killed old Joe - but he was a dog, and although she had hexed him, he couldnt make other humans understand him. He is taken to a kill shelter because she has accused him of biting her - and gives up. Just days before his kill date, he manages to escape.
Clarissa is a journalist, and comes to Joe's house after receiving an anonymous tip six months after his death, which has been ruled to be from natural causes. She has just found out that he was her Grandfather. Toby finds that she can understand him, and tells her what really happened.
Will they be able to save Miss Phoebe from the dog nappers? And will they be able to prove who killed Joe and why? A lovely story - and I would love to find out what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
230 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2019
by Penny Hickman

Old Joe is Toby's owner and he is killed by a woman known as the Pointy Woman. She hexes Toby so he can talk to no one but her, and sets him up so that he ends up in the pound. After escaping the pound to avoid being put to death and returning to his home, Toby meets Clarissa. She is a reporter and can hear what he is saying. Clarissa also had dealings with the Pointy Woman as a child, so they decide to band together to investigate Old Joe's death and just who and what the Pointy Woman means to both of their lives. As a child Clarissa was put in a boarding school for witches because of this woman, but why? Is she really her Aunt? What does all of this mean and are the two connected?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,851 reviews
April 29, 2022
Toby the dog is miserable. He witnessed the murder of his owner, Old Joe, and was hexed by the woman who killed him. He's now in a shelter with a death sentence being very near. Then he meets Clarissa who's a witch and a journalist. The best part is that she understands him despite the hex of the evil woman which was "speak to none but me". Now Clarissa and Toby are working together to find out who killed Old Joe.

This was a fast-paced, fun story that was a very enjoyable read. It's first in what promises to be an enchanting series. This book was well-written with wonderful characters and it drew me in from the start, keeping me hooked until the finish. The various mysteries will keep you on your toes and guessing throughout. I'm really looking forward to the next book and highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Tina Layner.
397 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2019
Aint nothing but a pound dog is the first in a series. Toby is a very special dog that loved his owner very much. He had a talent that other dogs did not have. Something had happened to Big Joe and Toby was determined to find out who did it.
Toby was taken to Sunshine Valley Pet Sanctuary where he met several other dogs and made friends. In this place if you was there more than six months then you were to be put to sleep. Toby was on his last month when he figured out a way to escape. This is when he met Clarissa, a journalist looking for a good story.
Will Clarissa prove what happened to Big Joe? Was she really there for a story or was it personal?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Diane.
44 reviews3 followers
December 27, 2019
Enchanting new series!

I absolutely love this book! I’ve liked everything else I’ve read written by the author so I was sure I would like this one too, but it outdid my every expectation. I’m in love with the title character, Toby, I want him to be real. The story is told from his point of view which is quite different but entirely entertaining. The author makes all her characters very realistic and Toby is no exception.

After his owner Joe is killed, poor Toby ends up at the pound. He wants nothing more than to get justice for Joe and keep himself from being euthanized. He crossed paths with Clarissa, an investigative reporter. Will she be able to help Toby or will he perish at the pound?

I highly recommend you grab a copy to find out. You won’t be sorry!
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2019
Toby is funny. He got me into trouble on the bus reading. I don't think he meant to be funny but I love it. Keep it up Toby!!!!!!!

I love the how all his friends got help too.

My question is: Is the Pointy Woman really evil? Or is she behind the grand adventure and puzzle that they will need to solve. READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!

This is the first in a new series. If you like cozies mysteries then this is for you. If you liked the Wonky Inn mysteries then you will like this series also.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
396 reviews
December 20, 2019
start of a new series

Another witchily good story from this author and the start of what looks to be a great new series. If you like murder mysteries, supernatural mysteries or just a good old fashioned well written story this is the one for you. Full of adorable pooches , witchy goings on and twists that keep the tensions high and the interest getting in the way of anything else you may have planned to do !! The mystery continues along with the fun of a talking dog ( if you can understand him that is ) I cant wait till the next book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,020 reviews45 followers
December 24, 2019
Toby was a good dog that had a rough go of things once his owner Old Joe died. It was made out to be an accident and the awful woman tangled up in the situation said poor Toby had bitten her.

Selma is a kind worker at the kennels who does her best to care for Toby and the others.

Someone seems bent on dirty deeds, not scanning beloved pets for chips properly and other dark deeds related to the missing and misappropriated dogs.

Toby and a piece of Old Joe he had not yet known may yet be able to set a few things right. Much yet remains undone.

Intense dark witchy adventures
1,372 reviews8 followers
December 24, 2019
Toby owner old Joe has just been killed and then th witch who killed him made the old lady next door tell the cops he.bit.her and he was taken to the pound. Six months later Toby with the help of his kennel.mates is able to escape and he goes home to find a young woman on his front porch and he lets her in and he finds out Clarrisa is old Joe's granddaughter and the same lady Miranda told her she was clarrisas's aunt and takes her to a school when she was a child but now they found out she has stolen a stone that for some reason is important. Well written story and I want to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,992 reviews16 followers
December 26, 2019
A story written from the perspective of a dog:
Toby is a young dog - about a year old- when his master, Old Joe, is being killed in front of him. And the woman who had killed his master also bespelled the dog, so that he could talk human to her, but no-one else....until one day...
The beginning of a cozy dog/witch crime series, interesting and fun to read. I am curious to find out if the next book will keep Toby's perspective, or change to Clarissa's.
Well-written and entertaining with a new view on our world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,715 reviews29 followers
December 28, 2019
This was a fantastic read, Toby is a lovable and lost in life dog after his owner Old Joe was killed and we see how he goes from being near to going to doggy heaven via the dog pound to meeting Clarissa and how both of their lives start to change once they work out they are both connected to Old Joe and can work well together especially when Toby gets a sammich his favorite treat. There are puppy dogs, a evil pointy shoe lady, secrets about Old Joe's past as as well as Clarissa's and mysteries a plenty to solve!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2019
Jeannie Wycherley is an author I am familiar with, having read and loved the Wonky Inn Series, It can always be scary reading a new series (and I am sure from an authors point of view it must be equally so!!) but I had no reason to worry, Jeannie is a Mistress of her craft, and once again had me eagerly following each plot twist and caring for each character, (especially poor Toby!)
A really sold start to a new series, and different enough you do not spend your time comparing it to the Wonky Inn. I look forward to seeing where Toby and Clarissa are headed to next!
Highly recommend,

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
112 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2020
The first book in a new series, Ain’t Nothing But a Pound Dog introduces us to Toby. Toby is a dog, and this book is told from Toby’s perspective. I really enjoyed this different angle on a cozy mystery with a paranormal twist. I am already a fan of this author’s Wonky Inn series, so was anxious to check this book out. Happily I was not disappointed. Wycherley does a good job world building, and in creating characters we want to know better. This story does end with a cliffhanger, leading into the next book of the series, but happily, all three books in this series are available.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,480 reviews46 followers
April 22, 2023
A Great Dog
The only witness to the brutal murder of his owner, Toby is hexed by a woman with evil intentions. “Speak to none but me,” she tells him. Wretched and misunderstood, he’s incarcerated in the local pound. With a death sentence hanging over his head, Toby has almost given up hope.
Toby is a great dog meant for a good witch. He saw what happened to his master but couldn't relay it to the necessary humans. Enter a witch who can understand him.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,568 reviews236 followers
July 10, 2025
What a fun and charming book. I listened to the audiobook. This is the way to experience this book. Narrator, Victoria Meakin does a wonderful job of voicing all of the characters. You could tell the difference between the various characters.

Toby is the rockstar or I should say "top dog". Toby has a good fighting spirit. Even when the odds seemed stacked against him, he was not willing to back down until all the other dogs are rescued and the bad people brought to justice. Toby has help with Clarissa. She and Toby make a good pair.

Readers of cozy mysteries will like this book. It has a good storyline and charming characters. I will be continuing this series.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
December 20, 2019
Great Start to New Cozy Paranormal Series
This author is one of my favorites and this looks like a series that I will certainly enjoy. A dog that can speak and only be understood by his witch. A twenty-something witch who is trying to solve the secrets of her past. There is also a love interest and many evils lurking about. The plot was excellent and riveting. It is written in a cozy manner which means no nightmares for me. I can't wait for the next episode. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Roxie's Reviews.
1,152 reviews23 followers
January 10, 2020
"A Funny and Exciting Paranormal Mystery series"
The stories are Funny, Sweet, and Exciting . The characters are unique with fantastic personalities.
Toby was an ordinary little dog. This is until a witch showed up and put a spell on him! Now he can talk like a human. The witch also killed Toby's human. After he escapes the pound. Toby meets Clarissa a relative of Toby's human. It seems the witch may have been involved with Clarissa's parents death.
Can the two put a stop to the evil witch??
This is an exciting,funny,thrilling,and suspenseful story! This is a five star plus story.
2,021 reviews8 followers
July 10, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed this first book in this new series. I thought the point of view perspective was creative and unusual, and it added an eccentricity that I thought was entertaining. I liked the characters. There were some intense moments which had me on the edge-of-my seat. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Victoria Meakin's narration was great, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
851 reviews
December 3, 2025
Audiobook review: I thought the narrator was good, she had a pleasant voice and was easy to understand.

Story review:
I enjoyed this story. Toby won me over immediately. I loved his label of the "pointy lady". I thought the book flowed well and the subplots enhanced the story. It was disappointing some of the bad characters escaped before justice was served. I am looking forward to the next book which hopefully will shed more light on mysterious pointy lady's agenda.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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