Doubt on a Limb

The Leafy Hollow Mysteries #8

by Rickie Blair

A bizarre crime scene. A four-legged culprit. Can our sleuth find the real killer before her career goes down the drain? Desperate to stop her PI business from going belly-up, Verity Hawkes doesn’t hesitate to dive into the next case she a body in a septic tank. But just when she thinks her investigation couldn’t get any more peculiar, she’s shocked to learn the accused perp is the town’s beloved billy goat.

Verity has to juggle her meddling aunt, a surly former soldier, and a tuxedo-wearing cat to sanitize this baffling homicide. But when the case takes a sinister turn, she suspects darker forces are at work. Can she track down the mysterious murderer before her reputation is flushed away?

Doubt on a Limb is the riotous eighth book in The Leafy Hollow cozy mystery series. If you like zany heroines, humorous twists, and stories that keep you guessing, then you’ll love Rickie Blair’s charming small-town escapade.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Canada

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2020

About the author

When not hunched over my computer conversing with people who exist only in my head, I spend my time trying to tame an unruly half-acre garden and a mischievous Jack Russell-cross. I also share my southern Ontario home with two rescue cats and an overactive Netflix account.

I write The Ruby Danger series of financial thrillers, and a cozy mystery series, The Leafy Hollow Mysteries. The Ruby books reflect my interest in fraud and how it ruins lives, while the Leafy Hollow volumes are more light-hearted. I hope you enjoy them.

Rickie

Reviews

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better. This book is the best one yet. Verity is called by a frantic friend to prove her goat didn't 'murder' the serviceman at her neighbour's home. A hilarious start to a book that has an excellent mystery, lots of drama and great characters. Verity's Aunt is back to her 'secret' role as an agent of Control. Together they work to find the clues and prove who the killer is. The complexity of the mysteries develop well through the book increasing the suspense. I couldn't put it down. As always, I can hardly wait for the next book.

[Jen - Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can;t wait for book 9 !!

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rickie Blair has done it again!
I absolutely loved this book. With each installment, the books get better and more intricate.
The banter between characters is quick and witty, making the entire story fun to read. The twists and turns of the story keep you guessing, and the entire book is fast-paced and intriguing. And as always, it's great to read a book set in Canada, with Canadian references.
If you haven't started this series, what are you waiting for?

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, in fact the whole series is just brilliant and one I can listen to again and again, especially when I want a good laugh. This is book eight and all though the books are standalone mysteries, I think it works even better if you just sit back and enjoy the whole series. You also get to know the characters so well by doing this, as the mysteries take place in a small village and a lot of characters are familiar favourites that appear regularly. The characters are why this series works so well. They are likeable, funny and good at getting in to trouble or humours situations, where else are you going to find a goat being accused of murder? The author continues to come up with new and original story ideas and then baffles you with plot twists to keep you guessing and listening. A must read or listen series in my opinion and one I have recommended my mum give a go. Although the author has left it so you will have to get the next book, it's not a cliff hanger as such but is set up ready for the next story.

Verity is worried when a friend phones asking for her help, with a case that is a matter of life or death. Worried for her friends elderly mother, Verity rushes around to find things are not what she expected. The police and a crime scene van are parked in the neighbours garden and a tribe of goats running amuck in the garden. It seems the septic cleaner was found dead at the bottom of the tank. Was he pushed? The police think so and take away one of the goats. Verity 's friend wants to hire her to clear the goats name before he is arrested for murder of worse put down. The neighbour is the top suspect and with Verity 's own aunt having her own grudge to settle against the man, she jumps at the chance to help find the proof needed. They find more than they were bargaining for and the case gets more complicated. Can Verity figure out what is going on? And help her client?with nothing as it seems, should she stick to gardening because flowers don't lie.
I like the narrator. She has the right sounding voice for Verity and her friends, making it easy to picture the characters as the story unfolds.
I was given this free of copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

With lots of crazy twists and turn and a goat being the potential murderer, we are taken on a wild roller coaster ride in this 8th book until the surprise ending! Verity, a landscaper by trade also is trying to open an investigation agency at the same time. We have Adeline, Verity's aunt a member of the dark operation-Control, and who keeps getting Verity in situations when things need to be investigated and Jeff, Verity's detective boyfriend who wishes she would not get herself in dangerous situations as important characters. When the septic cleaner was found dead head first in the septic tank and a goat is charged with the head butt murder - case closed. But not to Verity when the owner of the goat hires her to find the goat innocent. And Adeline feels the owner of the property works for the Syndicate and is a sleeper agent, so she involved herself in Verity's investigation. And so we are taken on a wild goat chase with lots of red herrings, twists, turns and miscues. Once you start, you just can't put this book down! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!

[Teresa Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. This is a very enjoyable entry in the Leafy Hollow series. The characters here are the ones who usually inhabit a cozy mystery - our intrepid amateur detective (at least here she's starting a detective agency and isn't a rank amateur); her significant other, who has some affiliation with law enforcement (he's a local detective); the slightly unhinged relative-her aunt who used to be [still is] a secret spy; and, of course, the animals-here it's the poor little goat who is the murder suspect. I have to admit, even with all of its slight zaniness, my visit to Leafy Hollow was very enjoyable. Not so enthralling that I couldn't put it down, but interesting enough that I looked forward to picking it back up. Also, there were enough twists to keep me guessing, even though I did figure out the "bad guy" before the end and enough action to keep the story moving along well. All in all, it was a great story. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doubt on a Limb is the eight installment in the The Leafy Hollow Mystery series.

Another great adventure for Verity, whose second case will bring many nerve jerking moments and make her doubt her capability of being a good investigator.
As her two best friends and partners in crime are away on a tropical island, Verity will seek help from her aunt Adeline in solving a crime that includes septic tanks, runaway goats and secret agents.

As always the book is light and easy read, full of unpredictable moments and crazy situations.

Well thought out mystery with well known and lovable characters. I like that not only main protagonist but side characters as well are showing growth and development, which is an added bonus to the books.
It is always a treat to get back to Leafy Hollow for another round of excitement and entertainment.

[kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Rickie Blair’s series featuring Verity Hawkes from the very first book. Verity has moved to Leafy Hollow as she inherited a landscaping business. She is working as a PI on the side!

There are supporting characters which add to the cozy feeling of the town and help Verity find the clues she needs!

These books are fun with little twists to keep the reader guessing. I have gotten to know the main characters very well and look forward to reading each installation and seeing what’s happening next!

This has to be the most unique premise for a murder involving a goat named Waffles and a septic tank! I couldn’t help laughing!

Verity is on the hunt for clues to try to help her friend so that her goat can be exonerated from being a murderer!

One thing about a cozy mystery is it is fun to try to figure out who did it! That’s what makes reading them so fun! Enjoy!

[G.Terenzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put the book down - so much was happening.

After the septic tank cleaner has been (accidentally or not) pushed into the septic tank somebody is needing Verity's help because her billy goat Waffles has been accused of this deed.

Verity's investigation business is on the brink of collapse so she accepts to proof that Waffles has been "framed" and tries to get him released.

In the meantime the neighbour of the goats (and Verity's prime suspect) is found dead in the garden of the former mayor who has come back to town.

Lots is happening and even Verity's aunt is facing a gruelling experience.

Not a boring moment with all that is going on.

I can't wait for the next book and adventure.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of action and drama. Verity Hawkes has a landscaping business and a PI business on the side. When Zara calls her frantically Verity rushes over to discover Zara’s goat is suspected of murder! It’s a case of more than meets the eye. Verity gets discouraged and realizes she doesn’t really know the friends she thinks she knows and that she’s not very good at telling when someone is lying to her! I was really surprised when the whole story came to a conclusion and realized I was just like Verity except I didn’t figure out the mystery! I recommend this book and this author!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verity Hawkes lives in a village in Canada, has an inherited small landscaping business, a fiance who is a police detective, an interesting aunt who may or may not still work for a corporate espionage agency, and a burgeoning talent for sleuthing. She also has a friend whose goat is accused of murdering the owner of the local septic removal driver by butting him into an empty septic tank (which would have been amazing considering the narrow opening). The plot keeps getting more convoluted and funnier at the same time! I loved it! I think it could stand alone, but it would make me want to read any I'd missed just for the fun of it!
I won an ebook copy in a giveaway!

[David Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. Don't start to read this book if you plan to just read a little and put it down, I could not put it down. Verity is hired to prove that a goat is innocent and the fun begins. Emmy won a vacation from a contest that she does not even remember entering and she and Loren are vacationing so Verity has hired Ethan to help her in her landscaping business. Verity is a terrible judge of people. I could go on and on but believe me, I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to see where Verity, Jeff and Adeline end up next. I hope you can tell that I recommend this book.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verity goes to her friends house and things are in an uproar. Turns out the neighbor was having his septic tank cleaned and ended in the tank with a broken neck. The friends goats are all over the mans yard and one of the friends goats is being accused of putting the man in the septic tank and is being hauled away by animal services. So the friend hires Verity to clear the goat of murder. This is a fun read with lots of twists and turns and of course Verity can not keep out of trouble. The book keeps you on edge of your set waiting to find out what happens next. Looking forward to the next one.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had more twists and turns than a mountain back road! But that's what made it so hard to put down! Just when you think it was figured out, nope another twist! It was definitely a mystery tailor made for Verity! She really knows how to walk into a mess without wearing her wellingtons! I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for book 9 after reading this one. It had an ending that makes you want to know more. (No spoilers here, read this book!!)
**I received an advance copy of the book and Loved it!

[Maricle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 8 in The Leafy Hollow Mysteries does not disappoint. Lots of humor and well developed characters. One thing I appreciate in this series is that enough time is taken to really develop the plot and characters. In reading a series, I like to see the continuing characters (not only the main character) Develop and grow. Rickie Blair accomplishes this nicely. The plot moves right along and keeps the reader interested. I enjoyed this book; it is light, humorous reading and I recommend it. I received an ARC from the author. I chose to review this book and only my opinions are stated here.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read in the delightful Leafy Holly Mysteries series with a wonderful cast of quirky characters and a story that quickly became a page-turner with humorous twists, interesting suspects and a beloved goat named Waffles as the culprit. I love Verity Hawkes and enjoy her dynamic with the residents of Leafy Hollow. If you enjoy well-crafted small town cozies, don't miss "Doubt on a Limb". Can't wait for more adventures by gifted author Rickie Blair. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waffles The Goat Is Accused of Murder
Verity must same the day when Waffles the goat is accused of murder. This episode of the Leafy Hollow Mysteries has Verity questioning her on abilities as an investigator. This plot has many moving parts and lots of twists. From street racing to priest holes, mayoral campaigns, and garbage women, this story has an endless list of strange goings-on and interesting stuff. These stories just keep getting better. I received this ARC book for free from the author and this is my honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doubt On A Limb is the eighth installment in the quirky Leafy Hollow Mysteries series. Septic cleaners, billy goats, race cars, and sleeper agents make this an interesting story. I figured out who was the guilty party but missed some of the subplot clues. Multiple killers or maybe not.

I found this a interesting and entertaining story. I like how Jeff’s and Verity’s relationship is progressing.

So, I will Verity become an operative or not. It’s all in the mix. I’ll keep reading to find out. I like the quirky characters.

[Renee Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verity has her own landscaping business. She also does some private investigating. When Zara's goat is accused of killing the man who pumps out her neighbors septic tank, she needs Verity to help clear her goat of murder. Just when she thinks she knows people pretty well, she finds out she can't discern truth from lies. This is quite a good cozy mystery. The setting and characters are awesome. I enjoyed every bit of it. Five stars from me.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this series so funny and different from what I usually read in the cozy mystery genre. This is book 8 and I have been reading them from the beginning. I liked this story the addition of the goats was great but I sure missed Emy and Lorne in this book. They were away on a vacation but see that the next book when it comes out will included them. If you are looking for an escape from this craziness that is life in 2020 then read this series and get a great laugh.

[Maus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a pleasure to read! The characters feel like old friends. This story kept me guessing the whole time. I have found, that any book by Rickie Blair is difficult to put down. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series so far. I am really looking forward to seeing what kind of mystery and mayhem Verity gets caught up in next.

I highly recommend this book, as well as all the previous books in this series!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verity finally has many good things going on in her life, with a booming business, fiancé Jeff, bestie Emy and her beau Lorne

A mysterious septic tank death, with hazardous materials, goats and suspicious neighbors throws a darker light on village life.

Is her bestie on a real vacation? Are spies everywhere in the village? Can Verity find her Aunt before it’s too late?

Frightening and funny, madcap and murderous mayhem

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love revisiting this series and going back to Leafy Hollow. This was a fun addition to the series and even though Emy and Lorne weren't in the mix I really enjoyed the new supporting characters that we met. Verity is branching out more with her invesitgative business and funnily enough her first client is a billy goat. Definitely check out this fun, cozy myestery.

I received an ARC for my honest review but when the book is this much fun who minds leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verity's figuring out whether she should trust her own instincts in this one. I missed a few characters that are in most books of the series. I liked that she cared so much about a goat. I'm not sure I quite followed some of the sewage tank-related details, but I got the gist.
This one might have been more of a lead-up to the next book. It was fun, but I think the next book's going to have a little more going on with respect to the ongoing story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Billie Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best cozy mystery of all

The characters are great! I've read all 8 books and feel like they are part of my life now. This book had such a cute bunch of suspects with the little goats especially Waffles. So many exciting twists that even Variety gets herself confused. I am actually up too late because I couldn't stop reading when I should have been sleeping. Can't wait for the next book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and loved this book! This book has plenty of drama and action. As well as twists and turns. Although it seems with Verity there is always lots of drama. Characters are witty and laugh out loud moments!
Verity has a landscaping business and does some private investigating. Murder and goats and a missing aunt make this a fun read.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to this series. Easy read with fun quirky characters. Where else would you find a landscaper-investigator with an aunt who belongs to a secret group called Control?

Verity is keeping her landscaping company going while doing investigations on the side. This time around she’s busy trying to keep a goat from death row when the police label Waffles a dangerous animal after he is alleged to have accidentally killed a septic pump cleaner. His owner is convinced he’s been framed so despite her fiancés misgivings she investigates.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doubt on a Limb is the eighth book in The Leafy Hollow Mysteries series and is my favourite... so far.

Verity has to prove that a billy goat, Waffles, is innocent of the murder of a septic tank cleaner. This is a very entertaining read with delightful characters, humour, conspiracy theories, twists and turns, and interesting townspeople.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doubt on a Limb is a cute cozy mystery in the Leafy Hollow Series in which Verity is hired to clear a goat accused of killing a man.

The audiobook narrator does a great job bringing the series to life with her lively reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sidney Rippy McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Least Favorite so Far

With Emu and Lorne on vacation, they aren’t in the story. I like it better when they’re home, Emy is baking, and Verity is eating her goodies and having coffee or tea and a good talk.
The storyline itself is more convoluted than normal, too. It’s still a good story, but with two great main characters missing, there’s a big gap.