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Little Dog Diner #3
Dishing Up Deceit
I always thought weddings were supposed to be about joining lives… Not ending them.
But when an unexpected guest shows up dead on the beach and the groom seems to be hiding more than just cold feet, I need to take my chef’s hat off and don my deerstalker once again.
Who was this mysterious stranger that came to town claiming to be a long lost relative, and why is she now dead? Who is the groom really, and are his intentions for my friend pure?
Deceit—like revenge—may be a dish best served cold, but I’m not quite sure any of us have the stomach for it. Wedding bells are ringing, but might they also be the death knell? And is the killer really going to be satisfied with just one victim when two could be twice as nice?
Oh, dear. Pip and I certainly have our work cut out for us this time…
But when an unexpected guest shows up dead on the beach and the groom seems to be hiding more than just cold feet, I need to take my chef’s hat off and don my deerstalker once again.
Who was this mysterious stranger that came to town claiming to be a long lost relative, and why is she now dead? Who is the groom really, and are his intentions for my friend pure?
Deceit—like revenge—may be a dish best served cold, but I’m not quite sure any of us have the stomach for it. Wedding bells are ringing, but might they also be the death knell? And is the killer really going to be satisfied with just one victim when two could be twice as nice?
Oh, dear. Pip and I certainly have our work cut out for us this time…
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2019
412 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 11, 2020
This was a wonderful cozy mystery! Favorite in the series so far!
June 16, 2020
2.5-2.75 stars. It was OK but not dreadful, not that good either.
Dani and Lily are busy catering SueEllen's wedding. If only she could make a plan and stick with it, the whole thing would be easier. Rose is happy to welcome Ivy Mackenzie, the niece of a long-lost second cousin, twice removed on her grandfather’s side to Sea Breeze. Dani is extremely suspicious of this woman with the dyed red hair and phony Scottish accent. Who is she and what does she want with Rose? Unfortunately, these questions will never be answered by Ivy herself because she is discovered dead on the beach with a knife in her chest. While AJ tries to figure out who killed Ivy, Maggie agrees to help Rose learn more about Ivy. Long buried secrets from the past come to light and may implicate Rose in Ivy's murder. Dani is upset her grandmother didn't confide in her and that AJ would even think Rose would commit murder. Dani also has her suspicions about Sue Ellen's fiance, Wilson. She expects Maggie, as maid of honor to warn Sue Ellen but Maggie is trying to stay out of the way to save her relationship with AJ. It's up to Dani and Pip to find out what is going on and save their friends and family.
First evil twins and now the niece of a long-lost second cousin, twice removed on Rose's grandfather’s side? What is this - a soap opera? Come on! I wasn't born yesterday and neither was Dani. I figured out exactly whodunit right away. There were some red herrings but I was certain that someone was up to no good even if they weren't the murderer. Ivy's motive seems bizarre and Tanya's even more so. There's not enough explanation. The cozy, relationship stuff isn't working for me either. I didn't care for the Maggie-AJ plot and I was massively confused as to how Luke can go from married/separated, widowed to special friend that fast. The surprise at the end surprised me and didn't make a lot of sense.
Ivy is certainly up to no good. The evidence she presents is flimsy at best. When it's revealed who she was and why she was in Misty's Harbor, it reveals she's a horrible person. Why she was so horrible is beyond my understanding. Rose is sharper than she appears and one cool customer. She openly lies to people, including Dani, and omits information. She withholds evidence from the police, putting herself and Dani in danger. That's very unlike her. Dani and Pip have good instincts when it comes to people and Dani worries about Rose. I didn't like how Dani decides to investigate on her own to help her friends and how she thwarts AJ by withholding information. It makes her seem immature. I love Pip so much! She's so much fun! This time she plays a huge role in the plot.
I didn't care for Maggie and AJ's relationship. She's a private detective and he's an official police detective. That can't work if they don't make personal and professional separate but Maggie is upset because that's what AJ does. Then she loses her fight and backs off just when she's needed because she puts her relationship ahead of her job. Sue Ellen and Wilson's relationship is even more unappealing. He agrees to everything she wants for the wedding but doesn't know she loves chocolate more than anything? Sue Ellen's indecisiveness wreaks a havoc on her wedding plans and also on the plans of everyone else involved. Is Sue Ellen supposed to be southern? She says "bless your heart" a lot, like she means it, but I believe, in southern terminology, that phrase means the opposite of what it sounds like? I got tired of her blessing people's hearts anyway. I did find myself liking Sue Ellen in spite of her faults. She's just not very sharp and seems to have a lot of anxiety when it comes to making decisions on her own. She's the type who needs someone to look after her and cherish her. Is Wilson that man? He's so quiet and agreeable, it's hard to tell.
We meet a couple of new people who fall under suspicion for murdering Ivy. Chad Golden, the young man who does all the maintenance at the Kitty Point Lighthouse, is a tough man to like. He has a temper and he seems a little sarcastic, like he's secretly mocking everyone else. His wife, Christy, works at the front desk of the Blueberry Bay Inn and was in a confrontation with Ivy. This gives Chad good reason to be a murder suspect. Tom, Chad's father, performs all the weddings at the Kitty Point Lighthouse. His backstory made me really sad. I don't think he's a murderer at all. He may have been in the right place at the right time but I don't think he would kill someone. Ivy's sister Tanya seems the most likely suspect for murder. She's as nasty as her sister, maybe more so. The two of them are just not right in the head. Their motivations don't make sense AT ALL and anyway
Lily takes a backseat here but apparently she's keeping secrets from Dani. Everyone else knows and spills the beans. Dani's initial reaction is selfish, yes, but natural. I felt the same way! She does the right thing when she approaches Lily. I don't like that Lily was afraid to tell Dani though.
This book wasn't the best of the series but I'm eager to read more for escapist purposes. I love Pip and hope she continues to help Dani solve crimes.
Dani and Lily are busy catering SueEllen's wedding. If only she could make a plan and stick with it, the whole thing would be easier. Rose is happy to welcome Ivy Mackenzie, the niece of a long-lost second cousin, twice removed on her grandfather’s side to Sea Breeze. Dani is extremely suspicious of this woman with the dyed red hair and phony Scottish accent. Who is she and what does she want with Rose? Unfortunately, these questions will never be answered by Ivy herself because she is discovered dead on the beach with a knife in her chest. While AJ tries to figure out who killed Ivy, Maggie agrees to help Rose learn more about Ivy. Long buried secrets from the past come to light and may implicate Rose in Ivy's murder. Dani is upset her grandmother didn't confide in her and that AJ would even think Rose would commit murder. Dani also has her suspicions about Sue Ellen's fiance, Wilson. She expects Maggie, as maid of honor to warn Sue Ellen but Maggie is trying to stay out of the way to save her relationship with AJ. It's up to Dani and Pip to find out what is going on and save their friends and family.
First evil twins and now the niece of a long-lost second cousin, twice removed on Rose's grandfather’s side? What is this - a soap opera? Come on! I wasn't born yesterday and neither was Dani. I figured out exactly whodunit right away. There were some red herrings but I was certain that someone was up to no good even if they weren't the murderer. Ivy's motive seems bizarre and Tanya's even more so. There's not enough explanation. The cozy, relationship stuff isn't working for me either. I didn't care for the Maggie-AJ plot and I was massively confused as to how Luke can go from married/separated, widowed to special friend that fast. The surprise at the end surprised me and didn't make a lot of sense.
Ivy is certainly up to no good. The evidence she presents is flimsy at best. When it's revealed who she was and why she was in Misty's Harbor, it reveals she's a horrible person. Why she was so horrible is beyond my understanding. Rose is sharper than she appears and one cool customer. She openly lies to people, including Dani, and omits information. She withholds evidence from the police, putting herself and Dani in danger. That's very unlike her. Dani and Pip have good instincts when it comes to people and Dani worries about Rose. I didn't like how Dani decides to investigate on her own to help her friends and how she thwarts AJ by withholding information. It makes her seem immature. I love Pip so much! She's so much fun! This time she plays a huge role in the plot.
I didn't care for Maggie and AJ's relationship. She's a private detective and he's an official police detective. That can't work if they don't make personal and professional separate but Maggie is upset because that's what AJ does. Then she loses her fight and backs off just when she's needed because she puts her relationship ahead of her job. Sue Ellen and Wilson's relationship is even more unappealing. He agrees to everything she wants for the wedding but doesn't know she loves chocolate more than anything? Sue Ellen's indecisiveness wreaks a havoc on her wedding plans and also on the plans of everyone else involved. Is Sue Ellen supposed to be southern? She says "bless your heart" a lot, like she means it, but I believe, in southern terminology, that phrase means the opposite of what it sounds like? I got tired of her blessing people's hearts anyway. I did find myself liking Sue Ellen in spite of her faults. She's just not very sharp and seems to have a lot of anxiety when it comes to making decisions on her own. She's the type who needs someone to look after her and cherish her. Is Wilson that man? He's so quiet and agreeable, it's hard to tell.
We meet a couple of new people who fall under suspicion for murdering Ivy. Chad Golden, the young man who does all the maintenance at the Kitty Point Lighthouse, is a tough man to like. He has a temper and he seems a little sarcastic, like he's secretly mocking everyone else. His wife, Christy, works at the front desk of the Blueberry Bay Inn and was in a confrontation with Ivy. This gives Chad good reason to be a murder suspect. Tom, Chad's father, performs all the weddings at the Kitty Point Lighthouse. His backstory made me really sad. I don't think he's a murderer at all. He may have been in the right place at the right time but I don't think he would kill someone. Ivy's sister Tanya seems the most likely suspect for murder. She's as nasty as her sister, maybe more so. The two of them are just not right in the head. Their motivations don't make sense AT ALL and anyway
Lily takes a backseat here but apparently she's keeping secrets from Dani. Everyone else knows and spills the beans. Dani's initial reaction is selfish, yes, but natural. I felt the same way! She does the right thing when she approaches Lily. I don't like that Lily was afraid to tell Dani though.
This book wasn't the best of the series but I'm eager to read more for escapist purposes. I love Pip and hope she continues to help Dani solve crimes.
February 18, 2021
This the third book in series. This time Dannie (Danielle) and her grandma Rose have a visitor at the theyre house Ivy. She claims she is a distant cousin of Rose. But the strange is no one seems to know. Ivy is found dead with a knife sticking out of here on beach. Who is exactly was Ivy really. With Pip the Jack Russel it is a great plot
September 6, 2019
Great to catch up with the characters but shame about the mystery
A good read in that it was good to catch up with the characters and watch their lives evolve. Shame in that the mystery was obvious from the get go. It would have been great if it hadn't been so clear as to who and why.
A 'relative' descends on them. Neither she nor Rose believe her but they agree to let her stay for two weeks. With the catering to be done for the senior's wedding she really isn't in the frame of mind to argue especially now that she has hurt her ankle. However the cake tasting is interrupted by the news that the relative has been found stabbed to death on the beach. Can they work out who? Will the wedding preparations go smoothly with the fickle senior bride and her online groom?
A good read in that it was good to catch up with the characters and watch their lives evolve. Shame in that the mystery was obvious from the get go. It would have been great if it hadn't been so clear as to who and why.
A 'relative' descends on them. Neither she nor Rose believe her but they agree to let her stay for two weeks. With the catering to be done for the senior's wedding she really isn't in the frame of mind to argue especially now that she has hurt her ankle. However the cake tasting is interrupted by the news that the relative has been found stabbed to death on the beach. Can they work out who? Will the wedding preparations go smoothly with the fickle senior bride and her online groom?
September 11, 2019
Trying to figure out the guilty person/party is 1/2 the fun of these stories, the other half is hanging out with Blueberry Bay town folk.
I like how Sue Ellen can be herself (at least after a nap) no matter what life throws at her.
Learning more about Rose's past as well as Spencer's helps the puzzle fit into place better. Giving the reader more background info on how certain lives intertwine.
Lily's news gives me mixed feelings, happy for her and yet sad. I didn't appreciate Rose's secrets, but that is probably because they hit too close to home lately.
I can't wait to see what the future holds for Luke, Dani, her new employees Chad and Christy and of course Pip.
I like how Sue Ellen can be herself (at least after a nap) no matter what life throws at her.
Learning more about Rose's past as well as Spencer's helps the puzzle fit into place better. Giving the reader more background info on how certain lives intertwine.
Lily's news gives me mixed feelings, happy for her and yet sad. I didn't appreciate Rose's secrets, but that is probably because they hit too close to home lately.
I can't wait to see what the future holds for Luke, Dani, her new employees Chad and Christy and of course Pip.
December 8, 2019
A wedding, groom hiding secrets and a body that washes up on the beach. Will the wedding go through or will they find out that the groom is hiding alot of secrets and is he really who he says he is. From chef to murder solving sure keeps her busy with everything. Grab your copy today and enjoy the wedding with lots of twist and turns.
October 2, 2023
There’s a lot of deceit in this one. It was hard to make heads or tails in this mystery. I did guess the killer but I had no idea why so that was a surprise. There is a lot of Pip in this one. Also, surprise ending I didn’t see coming. Another great book in this series. On to the next book!
March 15, 2025
Meh, ordinary mystery, ordinary solution although there was one piece I wasn’t sure of until the end. Nice cast of fun characters and a great dog. All is pretty much what the blurb says with ordinary writing and that ubiquitous head of unruly curls found in cozy mysteries that makes me want to scream. I felt for the living victim; I wouldn’t have bounced back so easily. The dog isn’t key to the story at all, just a fun afterthought.
Not sure what else to say except a woman is accused of threatening several people with a gun, all of whom corroborate the story and a police officer just walks up to her and puts his hand out for the gun, not even taking it himself or telling her to move slowly or anything. Yeah, right.
I’ll read the next one when I’m in the mood for a cozy mystery with a dog and don’t have another handy. But I won’t seek it out.
The narrator was really good. She had an excellent range of voices.
Not sure what else to say except a woman is accused of threatening several people with a gun, all of whom corroborate the story and a police officer just walks up to her and puts his hand out for the gun, not even taking it himself or telling her to move slowly or anything. Yeah, right.
I’ll read the next one when I’m in the mood for a cozy mystery with a dog and don’t have another handy. But I won’t seek it out.
The narrator was really good. She had an excellent range of voices.
April 3, 2020
I found this book to be a little bit disappointing. Because, for me, the blurb gave it all away. The key to unmasking the villain, was the one piece of the blurb that we hadn’t seen until the very end, and the whole way through the book I was going “yeah, but what about this?” Other than that, this book still has everything I loved about the earlier ones in the series. Though, it does slip some in that Dani isn’t as good about staying out of the way of the police investigation this time. She’s still smart, she’s still (mostly) sensible, and she still reached out to authorities – usually before she’s in over her head. I’m still adoring Pip, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as part of a box set.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as part of a box set.
May 17, 2020
A woman, claiming to be Rose's long lost relative, shows up on the door step at Sea Breeze, and before the morning she's dead on the beach, stabbed with a kitchen knife from Rose and Dani's kitchen. Dani, Pip and Maggie are quickly on the case, followed by the ever diligent and frequently miffed Officer AJ.
Dishing Up Deceit is the third of the Little Dog Diner stories and it features all of the Blueberry Bay characters I've come to know and love, always finding time to pitching in to help solve the latest murder while planning weddings, social events and the menu for the Diner. Lovable characters, an idylic, small town setting and lots of sleuthy action make this cozy mystery a real delight to read.
Dishing Up Deceit is the third of the Little Dog Diner stories and it features all of the Blueberry Bay characters I've come to know and love, always finding time to pitching in to help solve the latest murder while planning weddings, social events and the menu for the Diner. Lovable characters, an idylic, small town setting and lots of sleuthy action make this cozy mystery a real delight to read.
April 5, 2020
Dani and her grandmother, Rose, get an uninvited guest who soon winds up murdered on the beach. In addition, Dani and her business partner/best friend are preparing food for a friend's wedding but it seems that the groom has something to hide. Can Dani solve the mysteries and prove her grandmother's innocence before it's too late?
I'm really enjoying this series and this book is no exception. Well-written with well-rounded characters, this book drew me in from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end. It was a fun and enjoyable read. I look forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
I'm really enjoying this series and this book is no exception. Well-written with well-rounded characters, this book drew me in from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end. It was a fun and enjoyable read. I look forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
July 8, 2021
Another fun and sweet adventure in Misty Harbor with Dani and her grandma Rose. I've really come to think of these characters as old friends, and I'm only on the third book. I had a feeling all along who the perp was going to be, but it was still interesting to follow along and go down the various paths that didn't lead to the killer. Although some led to some old secrets.
I loved how Pip was the real hero of the showdown! She's such an awesome little dog and helps Dani out of a lot of tight spots and at times seems almost human. The very ending was super sweet, and I can't wait to read the next book!
I loved how Pip was the real hero of the showdown! She's such an awesome little dog and helps Dani out of a lot of tight spots and at times seems almost human. The very ending was super sweet, and I can't wait to read the next book!
April 8, 2020
[NB: this was read in a new anthology of the first three books in the series and this note will appear in each of the three reviews]
"Dani, curiosity is overrated. It might lead you where you don't want to go."
When Sue Ellen and her new man Wilson are planning their wedding, a returning "stranger" put a knife in the works when her body is found on the beach. Add a portion of cold feet - in more than one situation, and you have the latest lovely addition to this wonderful series. Highly recommended.5/5
"Dani, curiosity is overrated. It might lead you where you don't want to go."
When Sue Ellen and her new man Wilson are planning their wedding, a returning "stranger" put a knife in the works when her body is found on the beach. Add a portion of cold feet - in more than one situation, and you have the latest lovely addition to this wonderful series. Highly recommended.5/5
April 23, 2020
This story has more fun and murder. This time everyone is dishing up lies, including our beloved Rose. Sue Ann is getting married to a man she met online, named Wilson. Wilson seems all sweet on Sue Ann. Ivy Bowman comes to town and gets murdered on the beach. Dani is beside her self when Rose keeps lying to her, and her best friend is hiding something from her. I found myself engrossed in the mystery, but this time I was 100 percent correct from the 3rd chapter who the murderer is. Still finding out I was correct was satisfying and all the fun the story has getting there.
February 21, 2021
Adorable book!
Dani's friend Sue Ellen month long romance and subsequent upcoming wedding with an out of town guy sends red flags to Dani and Rose, especially after a childhood troublemaker dies on the beach behind Rose's house.
Great book with several LOL moments and intriguing clues. For once I figured out the killer before the end of the book but the book is written so well that I didn't mind the twists and turns. On to book # 4!
This writer Emmie is becoming another favorite author for me.
Dani's friend Sue Ellen month long romance and subsequent upcoming wedding with an out of town guy sends red flags to Dani and Rose, especially after a childhood troublemaker dies on the beach behind Rose's house.
Great book with several LOL moments and intriguing clues. For once I figured out the killer before the end of the book but the book is written so well that I didn't mind the twists and turns. On to book # 4!
This writer Emmie is becoming another favorite author for me.
October 6, 2023
Another very good story and mystery. I enjoyed this book and I am ready to read the next one.
Amazon synopsis:
always thought weddings were supposed to be about joining lives… Not ending them.
But when an unexpected guest shows up dead on the beach and the groom seems to be hiding more than just cold feet, I need to take my chef’s hat off and don my deerstalker once again.
Who was this mysterious stranger that came to town claiming to be a long lost relative, and why is she now dead? Who is the groom really, and are his intentions for my friend pure?
Deceit—like revenge—may be a dish best served cold, but I’m not quite sure any of us have the stomach for it. Wedding bells are ringing, but might they also be the death knell? And is the killer really going to be satisfied with just one victim when two could be twice as nice?
Oh, dear. Pip and I certainly have our work cut out for us this time…
Amazon synopsis:
always thought weddings were supposed to be about joining lives… Not ending them.
But when an unexpected guest shows up dead on the beach and the groom seems to be hiding more than just cold feet, I need to take my chef’s hat off and don my deerstalker once again.
Who was this mysterious stranger that came to town claiming to be a long lost relative, and why is she now dead? Who is the groom really, and are his intentions for my friend pure?
Deceit—like revenge—may be a dish best served cold, but I’m not quite sure any of us have the stomach for it. Wedding bells are ringing, but might they also be the death knell? And is the killer really going to be satisfied with just one victim when two could be twice as nice?
Oh, dear. Pip and I certainly have our work cut out for us this time…
May 31, 2020
Another cute cozy mystery. A woman, claiming to be Rose's long lost relative, shows up on the door step at Sea Breeze, and before the morning she's dead on the beach, stabbed with a kitchen knife from Rose and Dani's kitchen. Dani, Pip and Maggie are quickly on the case, followed by the ever diligent and frequently miffed Officer AJ.
January 2, 2023
Dani and Pip, what a pair
Emmie Lynn has done it again. She has created a perfect setting in Blueberry Bay and added terrific characters. The mysteries keep coming in this series as friends and family try to muddle through life. Can Dani figure out the mystery before something worse can happen?
Emmie Lynn has done it again. She has created a perfect setting in Blueberry Bay and added terrific characters. The mysteries keep coming in this series as friends and family try to muddle through life. Can Dani figure out the mystery before something worse can happen?
April 4, 2020
Twist and turn..old and new
Twists and turns and mystery both old and new. Mix in foods and desserts and friendships makings for good reading. Keep snacks close. Good little book.
Twists and turns and mystery both old and new. Mix in foods and desserts and friendships makings for good reading. Keep snacks close. Good little book.
April 7, 2020
Good fun
I did enjoy reading this fun cozy. Cold hearted, greedy and malicious murder is solved my many helping friends. The setting is idyllic, the people all sorts, which provides good balance in this book.
I did enjoy reading this fun cozy. Cold hearted, greedy and malicious murder is solved my many helping friends. The setting is idyllic, the people all sorts, which provides good balance in this book.
October 6, 2021
Ocean and murder
I liked this book. It is a mystery about who murdered Ivy. You find out right off Ivy is someone from Rose's past. It is a good read. Didn't take too long as I hated to put it down
I liked this book. It is a mystery about who murdered Ivy. You find out right off Ivy is someone from Rose's past. It is a good read. Didn't take too long as I hated to put it down
December 8, 2025
Emmie Lyn does it again!
I am totally engrossed in this series!! This is the 3rd book in the series and I'm about to start the 4th! This is great entertainment with Pip as the star of the show!
I am totally engrossed in this series!! This is the 3rd book in the series and I'm about to start the 4th! This is great entertainment with Pip as the star of the show!
January 20, 2026
Pace faced cozy mystery
Another exciting book in a high quality series! The three dimensional characters range from adorable to enraging, the dialogue sounds natural, and the storytelling is quite the rollercoaster. Next!
Another exciting book in a high quality series! The three dimensional characters range from adorable to enraging, the dialogue sounds natural, and the storytelling is quite the rollercoaster. Next!
April 13, 2020
I enjoy these quick read cozy mysteries.
Read
April 16, 2020Wonderful
I just can’t get enough of these books the characters are so cute and relatable
Love love this series must read
I just can’t get enough of these books the characters are so cute and relatable
Love love this series must read
June 20, 2020
Dog diner
I love all three books. I will continue the series. Looking forward to pop and Dani. Thanks for the story.
I love all three books. I will continue the series. Looking forward to pop and Dani. Thanks for the story.
July 22, 2020
Good book
I read this book in one sitting. It was fun and I loved the ending. On to the next one!
I read this book in one sitting. It was fun and I loved the ending. On to the next one!
August 21, 2020
I found it hard to put this book down it was great!
Rilla Leboe (Wooler)
Rilla Leboe (Wooler)
September 6, 2020
Pretty good
Not her best work, but still readable. The solution brought just as many questions as the original crime. I will read the next book and see where it leads.
Not her best work, but still readable. The solution brought just as many questions as the original crime. I will read the next book and see where it leads.
November 18, 2020
I'm liking these from Sweet Promises. Clean and wholesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews