Death Walks a Dog

Penelope Standing Mysteries #1

by Tess Baytree

Now that she’s in her fifties, Penelope Standing has life pretty well figured out. Her pet sitting business keeps her busy, her neighbors are conspiring to get her boyfriend, Jake, to propose, and she has just enough free time to make the corrupt mayor’s life miserable.

Then she arrives to walk Brutus, the lovable but ill-behaved mastiff — and finds his owner, Jezza, dead.

While the police work to uncover Jezza’s past, Penelope launches an investigation of her own, talking to her clients as she takes care of their pets. Even Brutus, “temporarily” staying with Penelope and Jake, provides clues.

More than one person had a motive for murder. But only one of them is coming after Penelope…

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Humor, Novella, Ebooks

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 24, 2020

About the author

Alias for T.M. Baumgartner

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really enjoyable mystery with a great cast of quirky characters, including the canine ones. The outcome was a surprise.

[Si Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corpses weren’t part of Penelope’s plan for her dog-walking business.

A snappy, fun mystery with a delightful cast of characters and an ending I didn't see coming even though it fit perfectly.

I'm not one for the will-they-won't-they and endless sighing of romance stories but I do enjoy healthy established relationships – and this story delivers on that front too.

[Klara · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her fifties, Penelope Standing has life figured out with a thriving pet-sitting business, a supportive boyfriend, Jake, and a knack for making the corrupt mayor's life difficult. However, her routine takes a dark turn when she discovers the dead body of Jezza, the owner of Brutus, a lovable but ill-behaved mastiff. As the police investigate, Penelope launches her own inquiry, uncovering motives for murder and finding herself targeted by someone with sinister intentions.

Ohh, I absolutely adored this book! It's a cozy mystery that sprinkles in just the right amount of romance and comedy. What I enjoyed most is that it's not solely fixated on the murder plot; it's also an exploration of Penelope's life. You get to know her, and at times, you might even find yourself nodding along, thinking, "Yep, been there." or "Yep would do that" Plus, the book has funny moments that had me chuckling throughout. It's the kind of read that wraps you in warmth and leaves you with a satisfied smile. Highly recommend it!

[Carolyn Blank · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh

Not enough action for me. Most of the novella was passive conversation. The dog was not needed for the plot. It was rarely mentioned.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope's business as a dog walker takes a turn for the worse when she goes to pick up a mastiff and finds his owner dead. The mayor's ex-wife wasn't known for her kindness, but who would hold such a grudge?

This has to be one of the best murder mysteries I've ever laughed at. Penelope is my kind of lady - full of gentle sarcasm and very secure in her own right. I ran the range of sensible chuckles all the way up to full-on belly laughs. And the story was great, too. Such a tonic. I often say I can't wait to read more in a series, but this one makes me want to become an unpaid PA for the author so I can encourage her "Faster, faster!"

Highly highly recommended.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully fun romp. The main character, Penelope Standing, is a very brash, over forty year old in a small town where everyone knows everyone and everyone's business. This is a murder mystery in the best tradition. It may have a cozy feel, but it's a tightly plotted riddle, well written, no lazy shot cuts, just a lovely flow. The characters aren't fully fleshed, but the "investigation" is the thing. We get to know enough about Penelope to become invested in her, and as we meet the townsfolk, they definitively have believably real and quirky personalities. I bought the next book!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't think of enough good things to say about this series. It was funny, relatable and I love Penelope. Dog walker unintentionally stumbling into a murder. I enjoyed the storyline and how it all played out. It got me at the end. Even thought there was not a lot of background on the characters, it is as though I was dropped into the series already in progress, I felt an affection for the characters right off the bat.

I don't want to say too much so I don't spoil it for others. I just bought the 2nd one in the series and am looking forward to reading it. And I am looking forward to learning more about Penelope & Jacob.

More Brutus please.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is in the air…and so is murder

I seldom read novellas because I feel they are too short and often not finished as far as the story. But Tess Baytree did a good job here. The murder was not the main part of the story, which I also appreciated. Even though the culprit was a surprise, we weren’t subjected to only the murder tropes that are usual in books. Again, a nice idea. This story was more about the people. Although all weren’t fleshed out, after all it was a novella, not a novel, the main characters were very well done. I look forward to reading one of Tess’s novels,

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Mystery

I confess there is a certain conflict between promising myself to write a review for any books free on Kindle's Best Sellers lists and enjoying them so much I am up late to finish reading them. *happy yawn*

So very short review:
It's a clean read, has delightful plot twists, interesting people, more than enough clues and suspects, is fun to puzzle out, but even more fun to just let it unfold and watch it happen. Plus, Brutus!

Do get this book! Happy reading!!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally an older heroine. Now that she’s in her fifties, Penelope Standing has life pretty well figured out. Her pet sitting business keeps her busy, her neighbors are conspiring to get her boyfriend, Jake, to propose, and she has just enough free time to make the corrupt mayor’s life miserable.

Then she arrives to walk Brutus, the lovable but ill-behaved mastiff — and finds his owner, Jezza, dead." Penelope does investing on her on and then another body.

[Normalee M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suprizingly good, wholesome read

I downloaded this book free and honestly didn't have high expectations for it. I'll be frank - I didn't know what to expect after being introduced to the protagonist. But Penelope, much like the story itself, pleasantly surprized me. Now without giving too much away, I'll say this book is fun, full of likeable characters and is a nice mixture of cozy mystery and clean romance. Definitely recommend!

[Carlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new mystery series. Penelope Standing is a fifty-something dog walker, dog sitter, and sometimes mail carrier. When she went to the mayor's ex-wife's house to pick up Brutus, a huge Mastiff, she discovers his owner dead. What follows is an hysterical romp of a mystery cum romance. The characters are delightful, including Penelope's hunky boyfriend Jake, the acting Chief of Police. I can't wait to read more in this series.

[Melissa Basnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dog sitter mystery

Penelope enters her client's home and finds her dead. She is the wife of the mayor and has made a few enemies due to her blackmail scheme. There are lots of possible killers, but now Penelope is
being targeted due to the killer assuming
she the has incriminating evidence. The dogs in her care have some unique personalities which is quite humorous. Good mystery with some hidden secrets and twists. Great start to the series.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

I never thought murder would be fun, but the light-hearted nature of the main character made it feel like an amusing low-stakes frolick through town. I love the humor and enjoyed watching the romantic relationship develop as well as learning about all the zany characters in town. Great read.

[J Shu · Rating 2 out of 5]

7/23. Penelope, dog walker, pet sitter, and substitute mail carrier, knows what's going on in town. She's also dating Jake, the police chief. She finds one of her clients dead when she goes to walk the client's dog. Who could have killed the woman who was not especially well-liked? It turns out a lot of people had a motive. Can Penelope figure it out? OK.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in series. A dog walker discovers her client’s owner dead in her kitchen. She is living with the chief of police so when asked for her alibi she just says she was “with Jake”. She also moonlights as a reserve fill in postie and notes interesting letters delivered to some of the towns more involved male residents. A twisty mystery that is solved by a dog.

[Carolyn Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book about a woman whose business is dog walking and delivering mail. She’s an amateur sleuth of sorts—self-described as nosy—who is also in a relationship with the acting chief of police. This is an easy read. Nothing deep; clean language. As I said, cute. I’d read another in this series.

[Rizello · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Penelope is fifties, has a bunch of odd jobs. We really don't know how she ended up doing what she is doing, but she is dating the police chief. Of course, there is a murder of one of her dog walking clients.

Author is adamant that a woman doesn't need a man, makes the point over and over.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for a while now and decided it was time to read a book from my backlist. I was really glad I did! It was absolutely so funny picturing Brutus the mastiff and all his doggy antics. I enjoyed Penelope and Jake’s characters a lot, those two cracked me up with their banter! I was never sure whodunit but at the end, it seemed that Pen got exactly what she’d been hoping for.

[Meehlticket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly creative.

I read a lot of cozy mysteries; they help me fall asleep at night. This book was a "Thank you, Jesus!" Delightful change. Suitable plot, interesting characters ( I am Ester if I am in the movie version). But the absolute best feature is the humor! "Put your hands where I can see them." I will seek out some more literary gifts from this author.

[Sharon M. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Walks a Dog!

Well written and thought out story. The murder of the mayors ex-wife begins the whole story of a Jill of all Trades, who walks dogs, does mail routes, takes care of cats and house sits for a living. Romance, murder, and a lot of laughs add up to a good read!

[Ticha Ulickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read and I really enjoyed it! I’m a dog walker myself so I found this relatable in a way although I haven’t walked in on a dead body thankfully lol. I didn’t really love Penelope’s character but I found the whole book cute and easy to follow.

[Caitrin Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cutesy murder mystery, very light read. There were some clever lines that I enjoyed it but it mostly a straightforward novella. Not angsty or suspenseful. Cute romantic elements, but no spice. Enjoyable short read.

[Lynn McClelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Great characters, great story! It is a cozy mystery with just the right amount of intrigue, romance, and humor. This novella was an entertaining one-sitting read. Can't wait to check out the author's other books in the series.

[Karen Ventura · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was my first Novella but I enjoyed it. It was easy to read and had some silly moments that made me chuckle. I’m hoping to read the rest of the series. It is definitely more mystery than romance but Jake and Penelope’s relationship is adorable and relatable.

[Debbie Pyette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a funny and enjoyable book. I was laughing out loud at the exchanges between the main characters and the hilarious animal antics. This is a top notch cosy mystery that I highly recommend.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable reading

I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more in the series.

I also enjoyed hearing about Penelope as job.

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to this cozy series. I look forward to future stories.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of fun. I do love that the main characters are in their fifties.

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable cosy mystery, just a short one but enjoyable. A bit far-fetched in a way, and very convoluted, but entertaining.