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Bought-the-Farm Mystery #0.5
A Dog with Two Tales
Meet Ivy, soon-to-be hobby farmer, as she solves her first crime with help from a brilliant border collie in this short prequel to the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series.
Rescuing this pup could bring her a whole new life… if it doesn’t kill her first.
Ivy Galloway doesn’t know how desperate she is to escape the big city and her human resources job until she meets a border collie pup in need of rescue, too. Over the past 10 years, Ivy has had to downsize so many staff that her boss nicknamed her “the grim reaper.” Maybe it's time to leave that behind and go home to the rolling hills of bucolic Clover Grove.
But first, she'll need to do whatever it takes to save the neglected pup she calls “Keats.” Enlisting her best friend Jilly Blackwood, she confronts the dog’s deadbeat owner with logic, humor and professional courtesy. When her best HR skills fall flat, conservative Ivy starts breaking the rules. The clever border collie digs in to help by unearthing a chilling clue that could put his owner away for good.
Can Ivy, Jilly and Keats evade a genuine grim reaper long enough to gain a new leash on life in the country?
This short prequel to the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of dogs, humor and spunky amateur sleuths.
Rescuing this pup could bring her a whole new life… if it doesn’t kill her first.
Ivy Galloway doesn’t know how desperate she is to escape the big city and her human resources job until she meets a border collie pup in need of rescue, too. Over the past 10 years, Ivy has had to downsize so many staff that her boss nicknamed her “the grim reaper.” Maybe it's time to leave that behind and go home to the rolling hills of bucolic Clover Grove.
But first, she'll need to do whatever it takes to save the neglected pup she calls “Keats.” Enlisting her best friend Jilly Blackwood, she confronts the dog’s deadbeat owner with logic, humor and professional courtesy. When her best HR skills fall flat, conservative Ivy starts breaking the rules. The clever border collie digs in to help by unearthing a chilling clue that could put his owner away for good.
Can Ivy, Jilly and Keats evade a genuine grim reaper long enough to gain a new leash on life in the country?
This short prequel to the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of dogs, humor and spunky amateur sleuths.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2020
192 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
April 21, 2020
A Dog With 2 Tales
Ellen Riggs
A Bought-The- Farm Mystery, Book #0.5
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Meet Ivy, soon-to-be hobby farmer, as she solves her first crime with help from a brilliant border collie in this short prequel to the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series.
Rescuing this pup could bring her a whole new life… if it doesn’t kill her first.
Ivy Galloway doesn’t know how desperate she is to escape the big city and her human resources job until she meets a border collie pup in need of rescue, too. Over the past 10 years, Ivy has had to downsize so many staff that her boss nicknamed her “the grim reaper.” Maybe it's time to leave that behind and go home to the rolling hills of bucolic Clover Grove.
But first, she'll need to do whatever it takes to save the neglected pup she calls “Keats.” Enlisting her best friend Jilly Blackwood, she confronts the dog’s deadbeat owner with logic, humor and professional courtesy. When her best HR skills fall flat, conservative Ivy starts breaking the rules. The clever border collie digs in to help by unearthing a chilling clue that could put his owner away for good.
Can Ivy, Jilly and Keats evade a genuine grim reaper long enough to gain a new leash on life in the country?
This short prequel to the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of dogs, humor and spunky amateur sleuths. (Goodreads)
Review:
I really enjoyed this prequel to the Bought-The-Farm Mystery series very much. We got to meet Ivy and Jilly and see how close they are and what good friends they are. And we learned how Keats became Ivy’s dog and to what lengths she had to go to for that to happen. Ivy and Keats have a special bond, one that cannot be broken. I really enjoyed reading about the two.
This book was fast paced and had some very scary moments. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Ellen Riggs
A Bought-The- Farm Mystery, Book #0.5
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Meet Ivy, soon-to-be hobby farmer, as she solves her first crime with help from a brilliant border collie in this short prequel to the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series.
Rescuing this pup could bring her a whole new life… if it doesn’t kill her first.
Ivy Galloway doesn’t know how desperate she is to escape the big city and her human resources job until she meets a border collie pup in need of rescue, too. Over the past 10 years, Ivy has had to downsize so many staff that her boss nicknamed her “the grim reaper.” Maybe it's time to leave that behind and go home to the rolling hills of bucolic Clover Grove.
But first, she'll need to do whatever it takes to save the neglected pup she calls “Keats.” Enlisting her best friend Jilly Blackwood, she confronts the dog’s deadbeat owner with logic, humor and professional courtesy. When her best HR skills fall flat, conservative Ivy starts breaking the rules. The clever border collie digs in to help by unearthing a chilling clue that could put his owner away for good.
Can Ivy, Jilly and Keats evade a genuine grim reaper long enough to gain a new leash on life in the country?
This short prequel to the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series is a perfect page-turner for lovers of dogs, humor and spunky amateur sleuths. (Goodreads)
Review:
I really enjoyed this prequel to the Bought-The-Farm Mystery series very much. We got to meet Ivy and Jilly and see how close they are and what good friends they are. And we learned how Keats became Ivy’s dog and to what lengths she had to go to for that to happen. Ivy and Keats have a special bond, one that cannot be broken. I really enjoyed reading about the two.
This book was fast paced and had some very scary moments. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 21, 2020
A HR manager has a panic attack and flees at the thought of downsizing her colleagues. She comes to a halt near a neglected young Border Collie in a grimy back yard and becomes obsessed with rescuing him. But the owner won't co-operate.
Animal lovers will enjoy this crime story. I understand it's a prequel and the series should be fun. The heroine wants to move home to a small town. The farm should feature in the next stories.
I downloaded a free e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.
Animal lovers will enjoy this crime story. I understand it's a prequel and the series should be fun. The heroine wants to move home to a small town. The farm should feature in the next stories.
I downloaded a free e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.
April 12, 2020
Wonderful intro to Ivy & Keats! Already looking forward to the next books in the series.
November 7, 2024
This is a prequel novella of the Bought the Farm mystery series. There are only 74 pages in this story. Is less than 100 pages a book? Thus the three star rating. It is a cute fast paced cozy. Ivy has reached her limit from her job and needs a change when she comes across a neglected abused border collie that stills her heart. It really is a good read just too short.
May 3, 2020
When Ivy sets out to rescue a mistreated border collie, that she names Keats, she doesn't realize that she will also be solving her first mystery. This short prequel to the Bought The Farm mystery series introduces us to Ivy , who is sick of her job in human resources, and her best friend, Jilly , as well as, an intelligent dog named Keats.
I found the story fast paced and interesting.
The main characters were likable and I really want to see what happens next for them. I would recommend this story to others.
I found the story fast paced and interesting.
The main characters were likable and I really want to see what happens next for them. I would recommend this story to others.
November 27, 2020
A Dog With Two Tales by Ellen Riggs is a prequel to her Bought-The-Farm cozy mystery series. What a wonderful introduction to main character Ivy, her best friend Jilly, and Keats a "smarter-than-your-average" border collie that needs rescuing! It just so happens that Ivy kind of needs rescuing, too.
December 27, 2020
3.5 rounded up. This was an enjoyable first book in a new series.
Thanks to the author for a digital ARC of this book.
Thanks to the author for a digital ARC of this book.
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July 20, 2023This precursor to the series was actually really hard to read, as Keats is being terribly neglected, and while obviously it has a very happy ending, it's very hard for me to read stuff like that.
April 19, 2020
A Dog with Two Tales is a prequel and introduces reader to Ivy and Keats.
Ivy has strong convictions and is concerned about the treatment and welfare of Keats.
A great start to a series focused around a dog owner and her intelligent dog.
Can’t wait to read more!
Ivy has strong convictions and is concerned about the treatment and welfare of Keats.
A great start to a series focused around a dog owner and her intelligent dog.
Can’t wait to read more!
October 17, 2020
What a fun cozy read!
A successful urban young woman trying to rescue a dog from a bad guy... and a sunflower patch with a dark secret. She wants to live in the country and take the dog with her. Very well written mystery short 68 page prequel with humor and wit, some thrilling twists and turns to make it hard to put down. A clean book suitable for young adults to older folks. Must read the first book in this series, now that I enjoyed the prequel! Fun awaits!
A successful urban young woman trying to rescue a dog from a bad guy... and a sunflower patch with a dark secret. She wants to live in the country and take the dog with her. Very well written mystery short 68 page prequel with humor and wit, some thrilling twists and turns to make it hard to put down. A clean book suitable for young adults to older folks. Must read the first book in this series, now that I enjoyed the prequel! Fun awaits!
April 4, 2020
This is the prequel to the first book in the series, “Dogcatcher in the Rye.” I really enjoyed reading this first so that I understood the full story between Ivy and Keats.
Ivy has a panic attack at work and runs out on a very important meeting. As she’s running away, she sees a cute Border Collie tied up in someone’s yard. She decides that rescuing this dog is her new mission in life. What follows is hilarity and also some scary, heart-stopping moments as she tries to do so.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Ivy has a panic attack at work and runs out on a very important meeting. As she’s running away, she sees a cute Border Collie tied up in someone’s yard. She decides that rescuing this dog is her new mission in life. What follows is hilarity and also some scary, heart-stopping moments as she tries to do so.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
March 31, 2020
A short but excellent series opener, with an appealing heroine on the point of changing her life and an even more appealing collie who needs rescuing from his brutal owner. It made me keen to read more of their adventures. Bring on the llamas!
March 21, 2020
Ivy's work-life has become unfulfilling to the point that she abruptly leaves her office one day and runs down a rather disreputable alley with a sudden urge to head directly for the comforts of home. This unusual route leads her to discover a new friend - Keats, the neglected border collie who also desperately needs a change of scenery too.
This short prequel seems to be the set up for a series that is very different from its origin story. Normally, I like the two to be closer in setting in order to determine whether I will like the new series. So, with that in mind, I gleaned that Ivy is reckless and I'm assuming that trait will continue. She has a good friend who's got her back - Jilly. And, finally, she's very much an animal lover. How all this will play out as the environment changes remains to be seen but the woman is gutsy and that counts for a lot. I suspect the Bought the Farm series will be equal parts nail-bitingly intriguing and heart-warming. You can't ask for more than that!
This short prequel seems to be the set up for a series that is very different from its origin story. Normally, I like the two to be closer in setting in order to determine whether I will like the new series. So, with that in mind, I gleaned that Ivy is reckless and I'm assuming that trait will continue. She has a good friend who's got her back - Jilly. And, finally, she's very much an animal lover. How all this will play out as the environment changes remains to be seen but the woman is gutsy and that counts for a lot. I suspect the Bought the Farm series will be equal parts nail-bitingly intriguing and heart-warming. You can't ask for more than that!
March 27, 2020
This book is a great introduction to the main characters and the changes hurled at them through their actions. It is totally clean, full of terrific humour and often scary situations as they try the near impossible feat of changing the life of a dog and with it their own lives. Zany, crazy fun i read without stopping.
March 28, 2020
This isn’t what I normally choose to read, but I’m so glad I gave this new series a try. I enjoyed reading about the lengths Ivy went to to rescue Keats, the lovable border collie, along with her best friend, Jilly. Do yourself a favor and grab your copy of this quick read. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and I’ve already preordered it.
March 23, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery book. Got totally involved with the characters & the dog. This dogs is to be loved! Every dog owner or lover would love to rescue this animal. Go get & enjoy your farm dream, all of you.
March 18, 2020
Absolutely loved it!! Ivy' Killer' an HR head honcho meets 'Keats ' an adorable border collie. Quick read while holding breath and turning pages, to find out how it ends. Great start to a new series. Cannot wait to read more by this author
May 7, 2020
A Dog with Two Tales is a very entertaining start to a new series. The main characters, Ivy and Jilly, are wonderful, but the dog is even better. Ivy finds an abused dog, falls in love him, names him Keats and determines to rescue him from his abuser. This entertaining story kept me up until 4:30 am because I had to know how it ended! You do not want to miss this great start to the Bought-the-Farm mysteries.
March 31, 2025
Reread on Audible 3/31/2025
Very cute!!
Very cute!!
February 2, 2023
Kindle freebie at time of download. All opinions expressed in my review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
Ivy Galloway, a human resources director for a large firm in Boston has just been informed she needs to fire thousands of people globally! A panic attack sends her running into the streets where she discovers a neglected Border Collie she simply MUST rescue. Unfortunately for Ivy, his owner is a nasty man who isn't selling, not even to her normally persuasive best friend Jilly. Ivy suspects he is hiding something and sets out to find out what it is to use as leverage to get Keats free. Then she'll whisk her new dog away to her home town and be free of all her problems.
This story is more dog rescue than mystery. The mystery portion comes in late and it's not much of a mystery. I read most of the Dog Town series and I became aware this is a spin-off so I was hoping the rescue warriors from Down Town would come and assist Ivy. This particular story has nothing to do with Dog Town. I did enjoy the dog rescue plot even though it was zany and unrealistic.
I really liked Ivy. She has a big heart and can't bring herself to be cruel to anyone human or dog. Her anxiety about her job is justified especially when she's given no choice. I love her bond with Keats although it's a bit silly. I think she's in a tough spot and feeling abused right now so she projects her feelings onto Keats. He is neglected but unfortunately, he has shelter (barely), food and water (barely) so the police don't care. That's criminal right there but it's Ivy who would be the criminal if she stole Keats. I was pleased she thought of a rational solution first. I can relate to her passion for animals and to her for being clumsy. Still, I think she's rather naïve and a bit silly when it comes to dealing with people.
Jilly, Ivy's best friend, is a shark. A headhunter, Jilly is no-nonsense. She gives Ron the hard sell on the dog and is quite charming when she wants to be but I imagine she can be ruthless. I appreciate her friendship and how she sticks by Ivy even though she doesn't really agree with Ivy's plans.
Ron Roxton is the low life creep who owns Keats. He is not a good pet parent or even a good person. He's rude, crude, belligerent and clearly hiding some kind of criminal activity. He doesn't deserve a sweet dog like Keats. What does he need a Border Collie for if he's not actually training or taking care of his pup? What's his secret besides being a sleaze bag who ogles women and threatens people with baseball bats.
Wilf Darby, Ivy's boss, is an arrogant, self-centered jerk. He's the type of boss who informs and then threatens if his employee doesn't immediately jump to attention. Ivy seems to have some resentment towards her siblings, particularly Daisy, who tries to guilt trip Ivy. There's a story there that is not covered in this novella.
This book contains a long excerpt from the first official book of the series. I didn't read it because I will probably pick up this series some day soon. I enjoyed this short story well enough to pass a pleasant evening before going to sleep.
Ivy Galloway, a human resources director for a large firm in Boston has just been informed she needs to fire thousands of people globally! A panic attack sends her running into the streets where she discovers a neglected Border Collie she simply MUST rescue. Unfortunately for Ivy, his owner is a nasty man who isn't selling, not even to her normally persuasive best friend Jilly. Ivy suspects he is hiding something and sets out to find out what it is to use as leverage to get Keats free. Then she'll whisk her new dog away to her home town and be free of all her problems.
This story is more dog rescue than mystery. The mystery portion comes in late and it's not much of a mystery. I read most of the Dog Town series and I became aware this is a spin-off so I was hoping the rescue warriors from Down Town would come and assist Ivy. This particular story has nothing to do with Dog Town. I did enjoy the dog rescue plot even though it was zany and unrealistic.
I really liked Ivy. She has a big heart and can't bring herself to be cruel to anyone human or dog. Her anxiety about her job is justified especially when she's given no choice. I love her bond with Keats although it's a bit silly. I think she's in a tough spot and feeling abused right now so she projects her feelings onto Keats. He is neglected but unfortunately, he has shelter (barely), food and water (barely) so the police don't care. That's criminal right there but it's Ivy who would be the criminal if she stole Keats. I was pleased she thought of a rational solution first. I can relate to her passion for animals and to her for being clumsy. Still, I think she's rather naïve and a bit silly when it comes to dealing with people.
Jilly, Ivy's best friend, is a shark. A headhunter, Jilly is no-nonsense. She gives Ron the hard sell on the dog and is quite charming when she wants to be but I imagine she can be ruthless. I appreciate her friendship and how she sticks by Ivy even though she doesn't really agree with Ivy's plans.
Ron Roxton is the low life creep who owns Keats. He is not a good pet parent or even a good person. He's rude, crude, belligerent and clearly hiding some kind of criminal activity. He doesn't deserve a sweet dog like Keats. What does he need a Border Collie for if he's not actually training or taking care of his pup? What's his secret besides being a sleaze bag who ogles women and threatens people with baseball bats.
Wilf Darby, Ivy's boss, is an arrogant, self-centered jerk. He's the type of boss who informs and then threatens if his employee doesn't immediately jump to attention. Ivy seems to have some resentment towards her siblings, particularly Daisy, who tries to guilt trip Ivy. There's a story there that is not covered in this novella.
This book contains a long excerpt from the first official book of the series. I didn't read it because I will probably pick up this series some day soon. I enjoyed this short story well enough to pass a pleasant evening before going to sleep.
March 9, 2023
A DOG WITH TWO TALES is book 0.5 in the Bought-the-Farm Cozy Mystery series be Ellen Riggs. The prequel is just the right length to introduce the main characters. The brains to this group is Keats the Border Collie, Ivy Galloway his savior from an awful owner and Jilly, Ivy’s best friend and partner in crime. This is a perfect page-turner for lovers of dogs, humor and spunky abd clutzy amateur sleuths.
Over the past 10 years, HR manager Ivy has had to downsize so many staff that her boss nicknamed her "killer" and “the grim reaper”. She has grown to hate her job. Leaving an important meeting in a full-blown panic attack, she ends up at a fenced yard containing a chained, flea bitten dog with no water, food or shelter lying in the blistering sun. Something more than just a humane desire draws Ivy to help this dog. Against her friend Jillian's worry, Ivy is determined to rescue this dog she's already named Keats. Before she's successful, there will be lives in danger, skeletons exposed and more.
This is a short introduction to the characters, but it's an important intro to the series.
I definitely recommend this story to all dog and animal lovers and look forward to reading the rest of the series. I did receive this prequel from the author and the above is my freely given and honest review.
Over the past 10 years, HR manager Ivy has had to downsize so many staff that her boss nicknamed her "killer" and “the grim reaper”. She has grown to hate her job. Leaving an important meeting in a full-blown panic attack, she ends up at a fenced yard containing a chained, flea bitten dog with no water, food or shelter lying in the blistering sun. Something more than just a humane desire draws Ivy to help this dog. Against her friend Jillian's worry, Ivy is determined to rescue this dog she's already named Keats. Before she's successful, there will be lives in danger, skeletons exposed and more.
This is a short introduction to the characters, but it's an important intro to the series.
I definitely recommend this story to all dog and animal lovers and look forward to reading the rest of the series. I did receive this prequel from the author and the above is my freely given and honest review.
May 15, 2022
I'm in love
This all started because Goodreads recommended You Can't Always get What You Want. It's available on Kindle Unlimited but I noticed that there was a "book 0" and I had to pay for it. By the time I was half way through I was really sure that there had to be a preceding book. I found that it was actually a preceding series and that I could get the first 10 books as a single Kindle Unlimited option. So I did. But then I noticed that the series also had a "book 0" which was not covered by KU. So I bought that: A Dog With Two Tales. And since I've finished it, I'm doing a quick review. I don't have much to say about the book, it's short but it's an important introduction to The Characters. I can't (and as soon as I finish writing this, I won't) wait to start the series. This is going to present a problem for me because I try to get all my books on audio so I can get something done while I enjoy the story but there's no hope of that so I'm going to have to work reading in as a reward. It should work well because I can't wait. I think one chapter per chore sounds fair. The knitting will suffer since that was my previous reward but I've Got To See What Happens Next!
This all started because Goodreads recommended You Can't Always get What You Want. It's available on Kindle Unlimited but I noticed that there was a "book 0" and I had to pay for it. By the time I was half way through I was really sure that there had to be a preceding book. I found that it was actually a preceding series and that I could get the first 10 books as a single Kindle Unlimited option. So I did. But then I noticed that the series also had a "book 0" which was not covered by KU. So I bought that: A Dog With Two Tales. And since I've finished it, I'm doing a quick review. I don't have much to say about the book, it's short but it's an important introduction to The Characters. I can't (and as soon as I finish writing this, I won't) wait to start the series. This is going to present a problem for me because I try to get all my books on audio so I can get something done while I enjoy the story but there's no hope of that so I'm going to have to work reading in as a reward. It should work well because I can't wait. I think one chapter per chore sounds fair. The knitting will suffer since that was my previous reward but I've Got To See What Happens Next!
January 30, 2021
Ivy, soon-to-be hobby farmer, as she solves her first crime with help from a brilliant border collie in this short prequel to the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series. Ivy Galloway didn’t realize how desperate she was to escape the big city and her human resources job until she meets a border collie pup in need of rescue, too. Over the past 10 years, Ivy has had to downsize so many people she was given the nicknamed her “the grim reaper.” Maybe it's time to leave that behind and go home to the rolling hills of Clover Grove. She did all she could to save the pup she named Keats. Then one day she followed the owner to a pub where he was going to show off the dog and the tricks he could do. But when she found the car the dog was in there but was not very responsive. The car windows were all closed and the temperature outside was very hot. She went to work on how to get the dog out. This book was fast paced and had some very scary moments. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 20, 2021
I learned about this prequel after reading the first full-length book in the series and decided to go ahead and read it now, too. It's only about 100 pages so it's really more of a novella, but it explains how Ivy ended up rescuing Keats.
As a dog lover, this was pretty hard to read and had I not known it has a happy ending, I am not sure I would have been able to finish it. The neglect and abuse Keats endures is pretty graphic. And as much as I wanted him to be saved, I also felt Ivy was out of line in her pursuit to do so. (Though truth be told, I may have done the same thing).
It does make the first book, "Dog Catcher in the Rye" make more sense, though between the two books, it never really is explained how exactly Ivy comes to own the farm. Maybe that mystery will be explained in the second book. But it's a short read and while others have said you can read the first one without reading this one first, I think I would have been a lot less irritated with "Dog Catcher in the Rye" had I known about and read this one first.
As a dog lover, this was pretty hard to read and had I not known it has a happy ending, I am not sure I would have been able to finish it. The neglect and abuse Keats endures is pretty graphic. And as much as I wanted him to be saved, I also felt Ivy was out of line in her pursuit to do so. (Though truth be told, I may have done the same thing).
It does make the first book, "Dog Catcher in the Rye" make more sense, though between the two books, it never really is explained how exactly Ivy comes to own the farm. Maybe that mystery will be explained in the second book. But it's a short read and while others have said you can read the first one without reading this one first, I think I would have been a lot less irritated with "Dog Catcher in the Rye" had I known about and read this one first.
May 9, 2020
Ivy is tired of her job, she hates firing people and has been told her company has to downsize significantly. She hates her nickname of killer. Her dream is to go back to her hometown and own a hobby farm. She find a border collie being mistreated and names him Keats. To help her free the dog she enlists her best friend, Jilly. Only the owner does not want to give him up. Now what?
This is a novella introducing a brand new series, A Bought-The-Farm Mystery. This book does a wonderful job of introducing the characters. They are fun, determined, smart and full of engaging personalities. The narrative was great giving an insight into the emotional state of Ivy and her motivations. The storyline flowed along smoothly, full of action, danger, humour, touching moments, mystery and suspense. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery introduction. Now I can’t wait for more the series to begin.
This is a novella introducing a brand new series, A Bought-The-Farm Mystery. This book does a wonderful job of introducing the characters. They are fun, determined, smart and full of engaging personalities. The narrative was great giving an insight into the emotional state of Ivy and her motivations. The storyline flowed along smoothly, full of action, danger, humour, touching moments, mystery and suspense. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery introduction. Now I can’t wait for more the series to begin.
May 4, 2020
An awesome story!
What a great introduction to a new series. I found this book on an authors’ first-in-series promotion and downloaded free from BookFunnel. The book cover caught my eye. I am a sucker for a cute pup. The expression, “The dog stole the show”, certainly applies to this story. Keats is a wonderful pup that deserves praise. The friendship between Ivy and Jilly is heartwarming. This was such an awesome story! With this cast of characters, the series can only be a hit! I was excited to see that the next book is available in KU and I plan to begin reading it as soon as I finish writing this review.
This was a fun, quick, and easy read. I highly recommend this entertaining short story!
What a great introduction to a new series. I found this book on an authors’ first-in-series promotion and downloaded free from BookFunnel. The book cover caught my eye. I am a sucker for a cute pup. The expression, “The dog stole the show”, certainly applies to this story. Keats is a wonderful pup that deserves praise. The friendship between Ivy and Jilly is heartwarming. This was such an awesome story! With this cast of characters, the series can only be a hit! I was excited to see that the next book is available in KU and I plan to begin reading it as soon as I finish writing this review.
This was a fun, quick, and easy read. I highly recommend this entertaining short story!
May 20, 2023
A sweet novella that sets the stage for the Bought-the-Farm Mystery series and I loved it! It's billed as a series for animals lovers and begins with a rescue operation to free an abused and neglected dog. (so there are some nasty descriptions about the pup's condition -- notice for those who are tenderhearted.) The mystery is quite light -- Ivy stumbles upon it as she tries to rescue the dog -- so not exactly a full out sleuthing operation but it doesn't really need to be since the author is introducing readers to our heroine and her soon to be canine companion and their uncanny connection. I think they will prove to be a super sleuth duo and I can't wait to start in on their mystery solving future.
December 31, 2020
Ivy is the senior HR manager of a company named Floraldale. Her boss Wilf has just announced that they will be downsizing the company globally. In a moment of panic, Ivy runs from the office and down the back alley towards her condo. Her friend Jilly calls her and talks her into stopping. Once she does, she sees a neglected dog. She and Jilly try to buy the dog from his owner, but he refuses to sell. He is very territorial about his property which leads Ivy to believe he is hiding something. What is he hiding, will Ivy get the dog and will she quit the company Flordale that she has worked for for ten years?
I received this book free from the author for my review of same.
I received this book free from the author for my review of same.
March 9, 2021
Ivy wants out of her job and the city! She wants a country life with a farm and animals. Then she see an adorable dog chained up in a yard. She befriends him-brings him food and water every day. She wants to save him from this life and does ask the owner--he is NOT cooperative and orders her off his property!
Well that did not stop Ivy--much to her friend Jills distress. Then one day she was playing with him and the owner came back unexpectedly-----All I am going to say is this is one highly intelligent dog! The owner ends up in jail--and the start of a GREAT, FUN series begins!!
You will love it like I did and I am looking forward to reading more of this series!!!!
Well that did not stop Ivy--much to her friend Jills distress. Then one day she was playing with him and the owner came back unexpectedly-----All I am going to say is this is one highly intelligent dog! The owner ends up in jail--and the start of a GREAT, FUN series begins!!
You will love it like I did and I am looking forward to reading more of this series!!!!
January 13, 2023
CHARACTERS
🔲 mary-sue party
🔲 mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
✅ well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional
PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
✅ nothing memorable
🔲 gripping
🔲 exceptional
🔲 mind=blown
WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story
ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
✅ immersive
🔲 you forget you are reading a book
PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
🔲 picks up with time
✅ page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down
🔲 mary-sue party
🔲 mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
✅ well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional
PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
✅ nothing memorable
🔲 gripping
🔲 exceptional
🔲 mind=blown
WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story
ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
✅ immersive
🔲 you forget you are reading a book
PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
🔲 picks up with time
✅ page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews