Bite the Dust

A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery #1

by Jackie Layton

Secrets can be deadly.


One steamy South Carolina morning, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott discovers a client’s dead body. Police quickly decide she’s the prime suspect. Horrified, she knows she’ll have to turn detective if she’s going to convince them they’re barking up the wrong tree.


Proving her innocence could be a tall order. The local police never solved the hit-and-run that killed her parents; Andi Grace isn’t sure they’ll solve this crime either…not when they have a convenient suspect—one caught with the possible murder weapon in her hand. She’ll have to follow every clue and call in every favor, even if that puts her in danger.


If you love strong heroines, coastal small-town life, and dogs, you’ll love Bite the Dust.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Mystery

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2020

About the author

Jackie has written six cozy mysteries set in the Low Country of South Carolina. She lives in Pawleys Island with her husband.

Weeding Out Lies is the first book in her A Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery series. Clover Covered Corpse is the second book in this series.

Clutter Free is a series with a professional organizer who uses her skills to solve murder mysteries.

You can find Jackie at any of these sites:

http://www.jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3CMn796
https://www.facebook.com/JackieLayton...
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/46yjQJb
https://www.instagram.com/jackielayto...
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/37RqGQ8

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading the latest Low Country Dog Walker mystery by Jackie Layton, I went back and (finally) read the 1st book, Bite the Dust, and promptly fell head over heels for this cast of characters. Particularly Andi Grace & Marc – and even more particularly Andi Grace & Marc together as a couple, pretend or otherwise. Their respective dogs burrowed quickly into my heart as well, and the supporting players who fill in the rest of the cast are also great additions. The plot of Bite the Dust was intriguing and complex, with plenty of surprising twists & turns that kept me on my figurative toes from start to finish. What impressed me the most, though, was the warm tone of the author’s writing voice – it’s a warmth that wraps around you as you read, without overpowering the story or making it saccharine. Instead, you just want to snuggle in & keep reading.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower

[Abby Breuklander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this story! I was on the edge of my seat at times!

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. I liked the characters and particularly the dogs Chubby and Sunny. I don't particularly like the writing style, it feels abrupt and jerky. The reveal of the murderer was interesting and a surprise although the main character Andi Grace had narrowed down the suspects to mostly the murderer. #BitetheDust #NetGalley

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just so sweet and cozy! To me, it read like a mystery movie with a little sweet crush thrown in for fun. And the dogs! I was just crazy over those dogs and how Andi managed to get Marc to fall for the murdered guy's golden retriever puppy. A handsome guy is even more appealing when he's good to his friends' pets! I also admire the author for including Christian beliefs in the story. I find it refreshing and really liked knowing that Andi relied on God for help.

At first, I wasn't sure which people to trust, but the more we got into the storyline, it got a lot clearer. I found it wasn't so much about naming the killer (it became kinda obvious who it was) as it was catching them in the act of something which was what happened during the showdown. The showdown was pretty exciting and bighearted Andi actually felt sorry for the perp.

This was a really nice combo of murder, mystery and just the right dose of romance as well as a big dose of love for family and friends. I know I'll want to move on to the next book!

[Marian West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andi Grace has a dog walking business. There's a lot of paperwork, financial decisions, advertising and planning, but on the plus side... dogs! And she has flexible hours. She has keys to many of her clients' houses so she can access the dogs while the owners are at work. That's just what happened on a Thursday morning, when she goes to take care of a puppy and finds the owner dead. Naturally she becomes the prime suspect. Andi Grace reaches out to a stranger to be her lawyer, and he helps her investigate to find the real murderer.

I loved this book. Andi Grace is very likeable, and the stranger/lawyer (Marc) goes above and beyond to help her... he's a really nice guy. The two work well together, even pretending to be boyfriend/girlfriend so they have an excuse to talk to suspects together. Strong themes of family, loyalty, and faith abound in this book. It's a great read.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

BITE THE DUST is the first book in this cute cozy mystery series. I enjoyed book two, so went and picked up book one so i could be up-to-date on the story.

There were some twists I never saw coming, but the who-dun-it was beyond obvious, we were also told that Andi Grace was a calm quiet person but what we were shown was confrontational. The faith message was weak.

I did enjoy the story and would read more by this author.

I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

[Laurie Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved sinking into Andi Grace's world

I thoroughly enjoyed this Lowcountry cozy mystery! Andi Grace is a great heroine and the cast of characters was entertaining. The author kept me guessing on the whodunit with a surprise ending. Bring on book 2!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Layton's dog-walking series set in South Carolina. This is a fun mystery. I love all the dogs and the southern culture. Add this one to your TBR list!

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Bite the Dust is the first book in a new cozy series by Jackie Layton. Released 28th Feb 2020 by Belle Bridge Books, it's 250 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a very light murder cozy with a female protagonist who finds one of her dogwalking clients (and personal mentor) dead in his home when she comes to walk his dog. It's full of southern slang and clean language with a slow romance subplot. The plot and tension arc are well paced and the characterizations are well done, especially for a debut author. The book could have benefited from a merciless editing; a fair bit of the dialogue was still rough and somewhat clunky. The descriptive prose was somewhat overwrought, but really overall, it was good and readable.

There is quite a bit of religious supplication in the book. Main character Andi Grace seems quite determined in her religious beliefs and refers to God a number of times in the book (in a positive way). For readers who prefer their cozies more secular in narration, it could be a bit much. I didn't find it over the top, but it was noticeable.

It also struck me as a bit awkward that she refers to her siblings for whom she put her life on hold after the unexpected death of their parents as "the kids" numerous times throughout the book. Contextual information would suggest that her brother is only a couple of years younger than she is, so referring to them as the kids is contrived.

The book does have potential and I'll be interested to see how the author moves the series forward. The second book in the series was published in June, 2020.

Three stars for the unpolished dialogue and convoluted denouement, but definitely shows promise.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bite the Dust by Jackie Layton is the 1st book in A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery, and my first book by this author. I found this book to be just OK, it took me awhile to get into the book. I plan on reading another book by this author before I give up on the series. Don't take my word for it, you might love this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery kept me guessing until the surprise ending!

Dog walker Andi Grace Scott is an admirable young woman who raised her younger brother and sister after their parents were killed in a hit-and-run car accident. When her wealthy business mentor is killed and she’s identified as a possible culprit, former attorney and current boat builder, Marc Williams, helps her investigate the murder.

The small community of Heyward Beach, South Carolina, is filled with interesting townsfolk and plenty of suspects. The sleuthing and developing romance were fun to read. Definitely some twists I didn’t expect! If you like cozy mysteries with good pacing, intriguing characters...plus adorable dogs....I suggest author Jackie Layton’s Bite the Dust. I’m looking forward to more books in the Low Country Dog Walker Mystery series.

Favorite quotes:
“God brought people into your life to help you through the rough times.”
A small voice nudged me. Even better than my dog, God would see me through tonight and the days ahead. No matter how awful.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dog-walker Andi Grace discovers her friend Peter dead in his home, then is immediately suspected of the murder when caught with a weapon in her hand. Marc Williams, Peter's neighbor teams up with Andi Grace to prove her innocence and find the real killer in the normally quiet coastal town.
As Andi Grace is warned by local authorities to stay away from the case and let them handle it, she continues to use her sleuthing skills and relationships with the townspeople to gain information. While she's at it, she just may solve a few old mysteries from the past.
Marc is a lawyer-turned-boat-builder opting for a quiet life in this South Carolina town. Instead he finds Andi Grace and her penchant for crime solving and irresistible combination as he sets out to help her catch a murderer and take care of a few of her canine friends in the process.
A great debut mystery with fun characters and laughable moments by Jackie Layton that has me eager to read the next book in this series.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jackie's cozy mysteries. Andi Grace is a plucky, determined, and caring dog walker. In book one she's trying to get her business off the ground when her dear friend and client is killed. Unfortunately the detective on the case pegs Andi Grace as a suspect. With help from a handsome new friend, she investigates the murder and discovers an unbelievable secret. The Low Country is the perfect place to spend some time as the story unfolds. I've read and reviewed book two of the series, Dog-Gone Dead, and loved it, too. If you enjoy clean, cozy mysteries, you'll love this book. Take this one on vacation! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminds me of the Hallmark mystery movies where the ladies are better at solving crimes than the police. Like them, Andi Grace’s determination to find the killer borders on being rash. When she finds her business mentor/dog walking client dead in his home, she’s immediately a suspect. Since her parents’ hit-and-run killer was never found, and the sheriff is under-staffed and overworked, she’ll solve Peter’s murder herself. Helping her is hunky lawyer-turned-boatbuilder Marc Williams, who sensibly keeps her safe and helps her investigation.

Aurora Teagarden would be proud.

[Sherrinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read many cozy mysteries, but Bite the Dust drew me in and kept me turning the page. The heroine, Andi Grace, is in a rush to clear her name of a murdered client, and her determination, while helpful in solving the crime, gets her into scrapes that keeps you into the story. I love the subplot romance with the lawyer/boat builder, Marc. Andi Grace's character is kind and compassionate and her focus on justice is admirable. This definitely won't be my last cozy mystery!

[Connie Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Bite the Dust.
Andi Grace makes the perfect detective. She cares for her friends and the dogs she walks, just don't get in her way when she decides to solve of her friend, Peter.
A funny read and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Ann Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read! Enjoyed getting to know the characters and an already looking forward to #2 in the series!

[Allison And]

This book was written by a friend. It's her first book, and I'm super excited for her. She has 2 more coming. It's a very easy read, with a twist at the end that will catch you off guard!

[RoloPoloBookBlog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bite the Dust by Jackie Layton
Book #1: A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery
Source: Purchase
Rating: 3½/5 stars

Andi Grace has spent her life in service to others. First, when her parents died tragically in a car wreck, she took over the care of her younger siblings and now, as an adult, she looks after other people’s pets through her dog walking business. Though it isn’t the life she envisioned as a teenager, Andi Grace loves her life and wouldn’t trade 99% of it for the world. The part she would trade, finding her dear friend dead in his palatial living room.

Andi Grace has spent her whole life in the same small town and rarely ever has there been a crime of this magnitude. Not only was her friend killed, but he was seemingly killed by someone he either knew or trusted since there is no evidence of forced entry. Andi Grace is horrified by the scene and to make matters worse, one of the newest members of the community walked in on the scene and now sees Andi Grace as a suspect. Sadly, so does the local sheriff. In the space of just a few minutes, Andi Grace’s peaceful life has turned upside down and inside out.

With her name and freedom on the line, Andi Grace sets out to do what any sane person would, solve the crime for the police. As luck would have it, the new man in town quickly discovers Andi Grace is far, far from guilty and though he tries to weasel out of it, he becomes Andi Grace’s new lawyer. As the two begin their now shared investigation, Andi Grace learns that she didn’t know her long-time friend nearly as well as she thought she did. There were secrets and scandals in her friend’s past that nearly bring Andi Grace to her knees.

The Bottom Line: Bite the Dust is a very clean cozy mystery that really ticks all the boxes for me. Andi Grace is a fine main character, her partner in crime is a sexy, intelligent, caring man with nothing nut Andi Grace’s best interests at heart, and the plot is rooted deep in mystery and heartache. I absolutely love the setting with the combination of old South charm and life by the water. When you add in the horde of dogs Andi Grace cares for, there really isn’t much I can find to be upset about with this book. I can’t say I was blown away by this book and some aspects were quite predictable, but that didn’t keep me from enjoying this read and plowing right on through the second book.

[Ppcfransen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I encountered a moral dilemma while reading this book:

I've received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. To give the most honest (best informed) review I should read the entire book. But I honestly don't want to continue reading at about 25% of the story.

I don't like how all the characters are responding. It doesn't come off realistic. It would be all right if one of the characters was a bit odd (and the others thought them odd), but all of them? And everyone around them seems to think this is a perfectly normal response? No, that irks my suspension of disbelief.

I don't like how Andi kept referring to her brother and sister as "the kids". At the five year anniverdary of their parents' passing her brother drunk. He was of legal drinking age, so he must have been 16 at the time of death. Only two years younger than Andi. The way she kept saying kids made me think she was at least ten years their senior.

And it irks me that Andi thinks she can do a beter job solving Peter's murder because the police were unable to solve her parents' hit-and-run. Oh, has she solved her parents' hit-and-run? Then what are her credentials?

No, I can't continue reading this story: I don't like the main character and I don't really care about who killed her friend. And that's my honest opinion of this book (so at least the moral dilemma was solved).

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming new cozy series ! I loved this first in series with great charcters, a delightful Southern setting and a fun sleuth. I highly recommend this series for your reading enjoyment. This is a great series for dog lovers as the protagonist is a dog walker.

This is book number one in the fun new cozy series "Low Country Dog Walker". I like that the story is based upon a family and their mutual love for one another. Grace is our protagonist who raised her brother and sister. since their parents were killed. Grace gave up college to raise her siblings. They live in small town South Carolina which is full of Southern Charm and great charcters as friends of the family. Grace is a dog walker and as such as access to her clients homes to pick up their dogs for their walks. She goes into a home to walk the dog and finds the client dead. After the death investigation begins she finds out she was the sole heir of his will so the police are looking at her and she must clear her name.

I like Grace for her integrity and her love for her family. She proves to be a savvy investigator as she progresses in the case. She is a protagonist I look forward to reading again.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley . My review opinion is my own.

[Scilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andi Grace goes to her friends house to walk his dog since he is on the way to a business meeting. When she gets in the house she finds her friend Peter is dead. As she screams a neighbor, Marc Williams, is running by, heard her scream, and walks in. He calls the police. Marc thinks she is guilty at first, but warms up quite quickly. Andi tells Marc how she raised her brother and sister after her parents were killed by a hit and run driver just as she was about to go to college. Marc tells her he was only 6 when his parents died. Andi explains that he must have been killed the previous evening because he was wearing old clothes and would have been more formal for his meeting that morning.
However, Sheriff Stone considered her the prime suspect, especially after they hear that Peter's will leaves most of his estate to Andi Grace.

This is the first book in a clever and warm cozy mystery series. The book is very exciting as you near the end, and Andi and Marc are no longer pretending to be interested in each other!

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Andi Grace raised her two siblings after their parents were killed in a hit and run. Andi Grace strikes up a friendship with Peter, he helps her navigate her new reality. One day she finds him dead in his house while she is there to pick up his dog for walking.
She becomes a murder suspect and tries to find the killer herself and clear her own name.
Marc, Peter’s neighbour, becomes her trusted helper and protector, and maybe even more.

So that’s the story, they find suspects, get attacked, scared and threatened. I don’t really like the writing style and I struggled to get through the book. I have no idea why the double names remain, I find it annoying, just like the phrase counting to ten in French in her head. Why in French?
Also there is a lot of mention of religion that I felt is forced and maybe even a bit out of place.

The story is ok, but the writing didn’t do it for me.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

[Sharon Grow · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the hit and run death of her parents, eighteen-year old Andi Grace Scott raised her two younger siblings. Twelve years later and now the owner of a dog walking business, Andi arrives at her friend Peter’s house and finds him dead on the floor. Worried that the police will think she killed him, Andi searches for clues with the unwilling help of Peter’s neighbor, lawyer and boat builder Marc Williams. All in all, a pleasant first book in the series, but I felt there was too much intrusive questioning of the people in the town. Also, the repetitiveness of Andi being told to stay out of the investigation made the story seem to drag. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

South Carolina Cozy Mystery
This is a very good story. It is a cozy mystery that takes place in small-town South Carolina. Our heroine is a dog walker so there are lots of dogs throughout the story. The mystery is very good and has lots of red herrings that get in the way. The back story is heartwarming and tight. There is a religious undertone which is completely in keeping with the story and locale. It is also very refreshing not to hear authors going on about the universe as a sentient being when anyone else would say, God. It was such a good story that I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to read the next in the series. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

[Jodie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy a good mystery with engaging characters, well-paced plots, interesting twists and no objectionable elements, I highly recommend this book. Jackie Layton managed to give her readers enough clues to help them solve the mystery along with her characters without being predictable. I enjoyed this first book so much that I immediately added the rest of the series to my saved list on Everand. I'm a voracious reader and have friends who also love to read. I'm constantly on the lookout for books that I can recommend without reservations to all my book-loving friends and rarely find them. Thank you, Jackie Layton, for writing the first book I've read in quite a while that fits that category.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this first book in the new series which if set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina to be Ccharming and a quick, fun read. The characters were fairly well fleshed out and I look forward to see them develop further. The plot was done well. I was able to guess who had done it by about midpoint but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. Andi Grace is a great protagonist and I felt that the cast of characters were very entertaining. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I would like to thank Jackie Layton, BelleBooks, Inc. - Bell Bridge Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in a new cozy series, Low Country dog Walker mystery. It introduces Andi Grace and her brother and sister. They have lived their entire lives in small town South Carolina, on their own since their parents were killed when Andi Grace was 18 ready to leave for college. She stayed and raised her family. Now she goes into a home to walk the dog and finds her customer dead. Lots of mystery around the house and especially when Andi Grace is the beneficiary of his will. Looking forward to the next installment which I'm assuming are for her brother and sister. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️

I needed a break from intense books so I clicked on this Cozy Mystery author! I can honestly say there are maybe 1 or 2 people in my life I would recommend this book to, most people I wouldn’t. Cozy mysteries aren’t for everyone, they are always pretty cheesy!
I liked the characters in the book and I loved the Christian aspect to it and how she portrayed their faith in The Lord. I don’t remember the last time there was a Christian character in a fiction book that wasn’t in the religious genre that I could relate to.
I will go on to listen to the other books on the series! The dogs have me hooked! 🩷🐾

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to request this book after the publication date by the cover and description. This is the first book in the Low Country dog Walker Mystery series. After the hit and run death of her parents, twelve years ago, Andi Grace Scott, now 30, raised her two younger siblings. She is now the owner of a dog walking business, Andi arrives at her friend Peter’s house and finds him dead on the floor.

Andi becomes the prime suspect. Good summer read.

I received a copy from Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.