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Dickens & Christie #3
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder
If it were up to her, they’d be singing carols and baking cookies. Instead, they’re stockings-deep in a murder investigation…
Leta Parker is looking forward to her first holiday season in the Cotswolds. Prepping for the town’s tree-lighting ceremony, the village is enraged when the new American earl announces plans to develop his family’s estate into a resort. And when the brash successor is found dead in a ditch, it’s obvious this car crash was no accident.
Determined to unwrap the truth behind the tragedy, Leta enlists the help of the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency and her talking dog and cat. But with everyone in the charming hamlet a suspect, it’ll be tough to discover who’s not on Father Christmas’s naughty list.
Will Leta and friends deliver the gift of justice?
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is the third book in the delightful Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like clever senior women, deep friendships, and animals of the talking variety, then you’ll love Kathy Manos Penn’s yuletide whodunit.
Leta Parker is looking forward to her first holiday season in the Cotswolds. Prepping for the town’s tree-lighting ceremony, the village is enraged when the new American earl announces plans to develop his family’s estate into a resort. And when the brash successor is found dead in a ditch, it’s obvious this car crash was no accident.
Determined to unwrap the truth behind the tragedy, Leta enlists the help of the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency and her talking dog and cat. But with everyone in the charming hamlet a suspect, it’ll be tough to discover who’s not on Father Christmas’s naughty list.
Will Leta and friends deliver the gift of justice?
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is the third book in the delightful Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like clever senior women, deep friendships, and animals of the talking variety, then you’ll love Kathy Manos Penn’s yuletide whodunit.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2020
217 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Manos Penn
26 books177 followersKathy Manos Penn lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia with her husband and her four-legged office assistants. When she dreamed of retiring from corporate America, she envisioned indulging in her favorite pastimes—reading, traveling, and writing columns for her local paper. Taking her bucket list trip to England was a top priority.
A second career as an author was never part of the plan—until someone uttered the fateful words, “You should write a cozy mystery.”
Twelve books later, readers can’t get enough of the Dickens & Christie mystery series. Kathy adheres to the adage to write what you know and populates her mysteries with well-read, witty senior women, a loyal dog, and a sassy cat.
Her two four-legged office assistants inspire the personalities of Dickens & Christie. Why is Dickens a fiend for belly rubs? Because Kathy’s real-life dog is. The same goes for Christie’s finicky eating habits and penchant for lolling on top of the desk or in the file drawer. She gets it from the calico cat who rules the roost.
How does Kathy describe her life? “I’m living a dream I never knew I had.”
Book I in the series, Bells, Tails & Murder, won a 2020 Readers’ Favorite Gold Award, and Pets, Pens & Murder, Book VII, garnered a 2023 Georgia Author of the Year nomination.
A second career as an author was never part of the plan—until someone uttered the fateful words, “You should write a cozy mystery.”
Twelve books later, readers can’t get enough of the Dickens & Christie mystery series. Kathy adheres to the adage to write what you know and populates her mysteries with well-read, witty senior women, a loyal dog, and a sassy cat.
Her two four-legged office assistants inspire the personalities of Dickens & Christie. Why is Dickens a fiend for belly rubs? Because Kathy’s real-life dog is. The same goes for Christie’s finicky eating habits and penchant for lolling on top of the desk or in the file drawer. She gets it from the calico cat who rules the roost.
How does Kathy describe her life? “I’m living a dream I never knew I had.”
Book I in the series, Bells, Tails & Murder, won a 2020 Readers’ Favorite Gold Award, and Pets, Pens & Murder, Book VII, garnered a 2023 Georgia Author of the Year nomination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 26, 2020
The worlds of Dickens and Christie have millions of followers. Until now, they haven't found their voices as a dog and cat. Not only are they able to speak to their human, Leta, but actually are able to help solve crimes as well.
Leta, a widow, has relocated to the Cotswolds in the U.K. She has settled in and found friends. Even a bit of romance. One thing Leta wasn't looking for was murder and mayhem. Especially in this bucolic setting.
In this third novel of this excellent series it is Christmas time and everyone is curious about the new Earl of Stow. Someone is not happy though. It will be alright though as Leta and friends are on the case.
Truly a fun and solid mystery, I highly suggest you partake of some Christmas cheer!
Leta, a widow, has relocated to the Cotswolds in the U.K. She has settled in and found friends. Even a bit of romance. One thing Leta wasn't looking for was murder and mayhem. Especially in this bucolic setting.
In this third novel of this excellent series it is Christmas time and everyone is curious about the new Earl of Stow. Someone is not happy though. It will be alright though as Leta and friends are on the case.
Truly a fun and solid mystery, I highly suggest you partake of some Christmas cheer!
February 6, 2021
Author Kathy Manos Penn invites us into her stories in such a believable way. Leta - the main character- is so relatable. She lets the dog outside, she feeds her cat, she washes dishes, and she sticks her nose into other people's business. But that's only because it really IS her business too, as she tries to clear the name of an innocent friend or two. Her furry friends are more than just pets, as they can hear and see things that a human might miss - and they complete these cozy mysteries with a warm fuzzy feeling. Leta watches her weight, but may enjoy one more treat than she planned because she's neighborly. The wine and tea are always flowing alongside the winding stream of curiosity as Leta and her Cotswold friends leave no scone unturned. Each book has a solid ending and doesn't give away too much too soon. Looking forward to book #4 with Leta, her dog Dickens, her cat Christie, human friends Wendy, Peter, Belle, the carrot-loving neighborhood donkeys and more. Do yourself a favor and read books 1 and 2 first to enjoy the fullness of each character!
September 9, 2025
A really good story!
I plan to continue reading the series. This book was very enjoyable and hard to put down. As always, I didn’t guess the right murderer!
I plan to continue reading the series. This book was very enjoyable and hard to put down. As always, I didn’t guess the right murderer!
February 4, 2024
Very good book with nice cozy atmosphere. It is 3rd book in the serie and is set before Christmas. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next one of this nice serie.
September 11, 2021
Another great cozy mystery!
Kathy Manos Penn, you just get better with every tail that wags and every whisker that twitches. Can’t wait to read the next book!
Kathy Manos Penn, you just get better with every tail that wags and every whisker that twitches. Can’t wait to read the next book!
May 26, 2024
Fun, well written stories and characters!
October 2, 2020
This may be my favorite Dickens and Christie mystery yet. Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is another terrific cozy mystery read from Kathy Penn. Of course it involves a death, (could it be a murder?) and the sleuthing skills of Dickens and Christie, (Leta’s four-legged, talking companions) but also the undeniable friendship between Leta and two other women comprising LOL, the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency.
This book, having a Christmas setting also brought in some reminiscing of Leta’s past and subtly reminds readers to do think of their own past holiday traditions.
In true Dame Agatha Christie style, Penn has a character glossary, and weaves a detective story as it happens. We know there was a murder, but who? Why? You’ll be guessing until the end as the list of possible murderers gets smaller and smaller, and if that’s not bad enough, you know practically everyone on the short list!
Even though Dickens & Christie is a series, each book is also a stand alone.
This book, having a Christmas setting also brought in some reminiscing of Leta’s past and subtly reminds readers to do think of their own past holiday traditions.
In true Dame Agatha Christie style, Penn has a character glossary, and weaves a detective story as it happens. We know there was a murder, but who? Why? You’ll be guessing until the end as the list of possible murderers gets smaller and smaller, and if that’s not bad enough, you know practically everyone on the short list!
Even though Dickens & Christie is a series, each book is also a stand alone.
October 1, 2020
What a mystery!
Enjoy everything about this addition to the Dickens & Christie book. I have even learned all the characters and animals! I can't wait for the next one!
Enjoy everything about this addition to the Dickens & Christie book. I have even learned all the characters and animals! I can't wait for the next one!
September 23, 2020
It's Christmas in the Cotswolds but not everything is going well as there's a new Earl of Stow and he's been talking about making some big changes that aren't at all popular. When Leta and Peter come across the Earl's car after an apparent accident, it soon becomes clear that the accident had some help and that the Earl's subsequent death may just be considered murder. Once again, Leta along with Dickens, Christie, and the Little Old Ladies are on the case.
I love this series and this book is no exception. Full of action and intrigue, this book is well-written with wonderful characters. The antics of Dickens and Christie are also done well and I really enjoy reading about them. I was hooked from beginning to end. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
I love this series and this book is no exception. Full of action and intrigue, this book is well-written with wonderful characters. The antics of Dickens and Christie are also done well and I really enjoy reading about them. I was hooked from beginning to end. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
September 18, 2020
Three Wonderful Books about friends and pets.
Reread books 1and 2, then read book 3. Enjoyed all three and look forward to meeting with new characters both animals and humans.
Reread books 1and 2, then read book 3. Enjoyed all three and look forward to meeting with new characters both animals and humans.
September 4, 2020
Leta and the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency are assisting the police again. Do dead bodies really follow Leta? Almost seems that way when someone dies right in front of her and many of her friends are suspects. Aided mostly by Dickens, with a little assist from Christie, the LOL will compile a big suspect list and that kept me hooked right till the end. Love all the characters in this charming town. I feel like I’m right there visiting. I’m definitely looking to my next visit there. A favorite series for me.
September 3, 2020
Quick, fun read!
This is the third book in the Dickens & Christie mystery series, and again involves Leta and her talkative pets, plus her Little Old Ladies investigative partners. I love the friendships that are evolving in their lovely little village, and the setting itself makes me long for a trip to the Cotswolds. This is a fun series and I highly recommend it.
This is the third book in the Dickens & Christie mystery series, and again involves Leta and her talkative pets, plus her Little Old Ladies investigative partners. I love the friendships that are evolving in their lovely little village, and the setting itself makes me long for a trip to the Cotswolds. This is a fun series and I highly recommend it.
September 4, 2020
Lovely story as usual! I adore Dickens and Christie.
The story was well thought out and nicely out together. The characters are interesting and likeable and quite relatable even if we're about 5,000 miles apart. I love the twist (hook?) In these stories. Probably my favorite part.
I can't hardly wait for the next one. Quickly please Kathy!!! 😇
The story was well thought out and nicely out together. The characters are interesting and likeable and quite relatable even if we're about 5,000 miles apart. I love the twist (hook?) In these stories. Probably my favorite part.
I can't hardly wait for the next one. Quickly please Kathy!!! 😇
July 7, 2021
Enjoyable cozy
Delightful series with a wonderful setting in thr Cotswolds. Love the interplay between the heroine and her cat and dog. The mystery was also fun to try and solve and kept me guessing. I will be reading the next one, soon!
Delightful series with a wonderful setting in thr Cotswolds. Love the interplay between the heroine and her cat and dog. The mystery was also fun to try and solve and kept me guessing. I will be reading the next one, soon!
October 24, 2020
A cat and a dog that can communicate with their owner.....what animal lover doesn't want that ? And if you're a pet owner, you totally want that !! Well Leta Petkas Parker has that ! Leta's dog Dickens and her cat Christie talk to her and she completely understands them and talks back. Leta also has the ability to talk to other dogs and cats as well.
Leta, Dickens and Christie live in the Cotswolds in England having moved there recently after Leta lost her husband Henry and she retired in the US. Even though they have only lived there for a short time they have made quite a few friends and are adapting well.
In Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder Leta is getting ready to enjoy her first Christmas in her new home with her new friends. There is a lot going on and everyone is in the Christmas spirit.....and they are going to a big party at the Astonbury Manor to celebrate the birthday of the Dowager Countess. Leta knows the Dowager Countess, Ellie, from book club and she is excited to meet the rest of the royal family. Unfortunately there is a lot of bad talk around the family. The newly appointed Earl, Nicholas, is talking about turning the Manor and grounds into a resort which will affect the family in a lot of ways. Nicholas and his wife, Julia, are from the states and only come to Cotswold a few times a year whereas Ellie, her son and daughter-in-law, and nephews live at the Manor and use the grounds for business.
The morning after the birthday party Leta and her friend Peter are on a bicycle ride and come across a car that went off the road. When they get to the car they see that it is Nicholas and he is still alive. Unfortunately he dies a short time later and it appears that it was no accident that his car went off the road.
Leta has butted heads with Gemma, the Detective Sergeant in the past when she and her friend Wendy and Wendy's mother, Belle, have investigated a few murders in the past but when Gemma outrights asks them to help everything changes. Gemma has to go out of town for a week right after the murder happpens and she asks the "Little Old Ladies Detective Agency" to be her eyes and ears while she is out of town. Of course we know these ladies and know that they will jump right in and uncover the truth.
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is the third book in the Dickens & Christie Mystery series by Kathy Manos Penn and I hope that you are a fan as well. If you aren't a fan, maybe you will be after this. There is so much to enjoy while reading this series. Penn makes it as easy and enjoyable as she can.....she starts off by providing readers with a list of characters at the beginning of each book so that you won't get confused or lost. And Dickens and Christie are always keeping Leta on her toes and they will do the same for the readers. And again....who doesn't wish they could talk to animals ?? And the fun that Leta has keeping it from her friends will have readers laughing out loud !!
November 27, 2020
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is my first time getting to solve crimes with Dickens & Christie, and Leta Parker. When I was reading Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder I felt as if I was in one of those cozy little villages in one of those Lifetime movies. You know like Murder She Wrote or maybe an Agatha Christie movie or book. Oh, and I so enjoyed Dickens & Christie and their friends.
Leta Parker moved to Cotswolds after the death of her husband and times like this brings back all the memories of her husband making her sad during the holidays but she has her furry friends, Dickens & Christie to help her through.
After inheriting an estate in Cotswolds an American earl decides that he wants to turn it into a resort this upsets the village people tremendously. Leta and a friend are out riding their bikes one morning when they come upon an accident. A car has run off the road. When they reach the car where it ran off the road down the embankment the drive is still alive but dies later.
The driver of the car is none other than the American earl. After a little sleuthing Leta and her friend discover that the accident may not have been an accident that he could be murder. Who could have murdered the earl? Or was it an accident?
Leta and her trusty furry friends Dickens & Christie are on the case. Dickens & Christie can talk and Leta understands what they say and can talk back to them. She can also talk to other animals too. Leta has Dickens & Christie both are spoiled rotten, but they are still well behaved and nice and very smart. I so enjoyed the scenes with Dickens & Christie especially when they were in Leta’s office so adorable.
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is the third book in the Dickens & Christie Mystery series but can be read without reading the first two books in the series as Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is the first book in the Dickens & Christie Mystery series as I mentioned above that, I have read. I don’t feel as if I have missed anything with not having read the first two books in the series as each book has its own mystery to solve. The only thing I feel as if I may have missed out on is Leta’s, Dickens, and Christie’s leaving Atlanta and moving to Cotswolds and the other mysteries of course.
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is a fun little cozy murder mystery with a crime to solve and a whole lot of suspects that will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out whodunit as the suspects list keeps dwindling down. The atmosphere and the setting making it feel so real as if the words are coming to life right off the page.
This is one little murder mystery that I would highly recommend to all murder mystery fans with a small-town setting. One-click your copy of this warm and cozy little mystery today to begin yet another awesome journey with Dickens & Christie!
Leta Parker moved to Cotswolds after the death of her husband and times like this brings back all the memories of her husband making her sad during the holidays but she has her furry friends, Dickens & Christie to help her through.
After inheriting an estate in Cotswolds an American earl decides that he wants to turn it into a resort this upsets the village people tremendously. Leta and a friend are out riding their bikes one morning when they come upon an accident. A car has run off the road. When they reach the car where it ran off the road down the embankment the drive is still alive but dies later.
The driver of the car is none other than the American earl. After a little sleuthing Leta and her friend discover that the accident may not have been an accident that he could be murder. Who could have murdered the earl? Or was it an accident?
Leta and her trusty furry friends Dickens & Christie are on the case. Dickens & Christie can talk and Leta understands what they say and can talk back to them. She can also talk to other animals too. Leta has Dickens & Christie both are spoiled rotten, but they are still well behaved and nice and very smart. I so enjoyed the scenes with Dickens & Christie especially when they were in Leta’s office so adorable.
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is the third book in the Dickens & Christie Mystery series but can be read without reading the first two books in the series as Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is the first book in the Dickens & Christie Mystery series as I mentioned above that, I have read. I don’t feel as if I have missed anything with not having read the first two books in the series as each book has its own mystery to solve. The only thing I feel as if I may have missed out on is Leta’s, Dickens, and Christie’s leaving Atlanta and moving to Cotswolds and the other mysteries of course.
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is a fun little cozy murder mystery with a crime to solve and a whole lot of suspects that will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out whodunit as the suspects list keeps dwindling down. The atmosphere and the setting making it feel so real as if the words are coming to life right off the page.
This is one little murder mystery that I would highly recommend to all murder mystery fans with a small-town setting. One-click your copy of this warm and cozy little mystery today to begin yet another awesome journey with Dickens & Christie!
December 27, 2024
This was the best of the series, so far. The mystery was entertaining and twisty, with lots of possibilities and a few twists to make things interesting, and the biggest complaint I had about the first two books has been addressed in a manner that feels mostly realistic, although I found it a little clumsy. I'm just happy the author seems to have realized that this needed to change.
The book starts the morning after a Birthday celebration at the manor, home of the local earl and his family. Leta meets Peter for a bicycle ride, but before they get very far they discover a man in a car in ditch by the side of the road, the new earl, the American grandson of the recently deceased earl. He's still alive, so they cover him with their coats before calling rescue, and then Peter, the local mechanic, notices the flat tire that caused the accident has an obvious cut in it. They pass on all they observed to the authorities when they arrive, but the earl dies before rescue can get him to a hospital. The book then jumps a week or so into the past before Christmas and the birthday celebration to walk us through the events leading up to the new earl's death.
This made for an interesting book, because you know what's going to happen and you spend most of the book looking for hints as to who was angry enough to kill him (there were a lot of people angry with him). A flat tire doesn't necessarily cause a fatal accident, so was that even the intent? By the time we return to the post-death timeline we've got a lot to think about, and the author continues to add new twists.
One big difference in this book is Gemma, the local police officer who complains about their interfering but is graceful enough to admit they are a big help in solving crimes for her woefully understaffed office, asks Leta for her help this time. This is partially because she won't be there due to a planned professional development course, and she knows the man sent to investigate will have significant difficulties because he doesn't know the villagers, but it's still a nice change. The DCI sent to investigate in Gemma's absence ends up complicating things for himself when he gets all high and mighty with Leta under the erroneous assumption that she's the "troublemaker" because she's an American, but she puts him in his place before continuing to do exactly what she was asked to do, which has now become personal to her.
Once again, Dickens and the other animals get to play a role, and Dickens and one of his friends save the day, again. They definitely deserve all the treats.
The book starts the morning after a Birthday celebration at the manor, home of the local earl and his family. Leta meets Peter for a bicycle ride, but before they get very far they discover a man in a car in ditch by the side of the road, the new earl, the American grandson of the recently deceased earl. He's still alive, so they cover him with their coats before calling rescue, and then Peter, the local mechanic, notices the flat tire that caused the accident has an obvious cut in it. They pass on all they observed to the authorities when they arrive, but the earl dies before rescue can get him to a hospital. The book then jumps a week or so into the past before Christmas and the birthday celebration to walk us through the events leading up to the new earl's death.
This made for an interesting book, because you know what's going to happen and you spend most of the book looking for hints as to who was angry enough to kill him (there were a lot of people angry with him). A flat tire doesn't necessarily cause a fatal accident, so was that even the intent? By the time we return to the post-death timeline we've got a lot to think about, and the author continues to add new twists.
One big difference in this book is Gemma, the local police officer who complains about their interfering but is graceful enough to admit they are a big help in solving crimes for her woefully understaffed office, asks Leta for her help this time. This is partially because she won't be there due to a planned professional development course, and she knows the man sent to investigate will have significant difficulties because he doesn't know the villagers, but it's still a nice change. The DCI sent to investigate in Gemma's absence ends up complicating things for himself when he gets all high and mighty with Leta under the erroneous assumption that she's the "troublemaker" because she's an American, but she puts him in his place before continuing to do exactly what she was asked to do, which has now become personal to her.
Once again, Dickens and the other animals get to play a role, and Dickens and one of his friends save the day, again. They definitely deserve all the treats.
January 1, 2022
This mystery starts out with Leta, the main character in the series, discovering a car accident and witnessing the driver's death. Then the author jumps back to the events that led up to the accident and the reasons why it was possibly murder. The plot is both intense and intriguing with a surprising outcome and enough red herrings to sink a ship. Leta's "trick" of talking with her pets is kept low-key and proves helpful in the investigation but also provides some humor in their antics together.
I totally enjoy this series! Leta is an excellent character, realistically portrayed as are her new friends in the village. She and her friends, who named themselves the LOL Detective Agency (LOL could stand for Laugh Out Loud, or Little Old Ladies) are aware enough to question whether or not to get involved in police business and, with help from the police, provide a rational for their investigative work. At the same time, they are aware of the Cabot Cove/Jessica Fletcher syndrome and even refer to it. The top brass at police headquarters are also questioning the recent spate of murders in as previously quiet village. Is Leta the catalyst or is it related to changes in the aristocracy in town? Whatever is going on, the LOL ladies provide invaluable assistance to everyone involved.
Thankfully the answer is yes, with gratitude to Kathy Manos Penn for creating such an entertaining series, community, and characters.
I totally enjoy this series! Leta is an excellent character, realistically portrayed as are her new friends in the village. She and her friends, who named themselves the LOL Detective Agency (LOL could stand for Laugh Out Loud, or Little Old Ladies) are aware enough to question whether or not to get involved in police business and, with help from the police, provide a rational for their investigative work. At the same time, they are aware of the Cabot Cove/Jessica Fletcher syndrome and even refer to it. The top brass at police headquarters are also questioning the recent spate of murders in as previously quiet village. Is Leta the catalyst or is it related to changes in the aristocracy in town? Whatever is going on, the LOL ladies provide invaluable assistance to everyone involved.
I frowned as I thought back to Wendy's playful rendition of the line from The Shadow. 'Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?' Twice before, the Little Old Ladies' Detective Agency had discovered the answer to that question. Were we destined to do it again?"
Thankfully the answer is yes, with gratitude to Kathy Manos Penn for creating such an entertaining series, community, and characters.
December 5, 2021
This was a fun cozy mystery in a charming setting, filled with likeable characters. I'd read one of the earlier books in the series, so many of the village residents were familiar; however, I was happy to have the list of who's who at the front of the book.
The story opens when Leta Parker, the protagonist (a middle-aged American widow who settled in the Cotswolds of England after her husband's death), discovers a car off the road while out cycling. Unfortunately, the new Earl of Stow, Nicholas, is the victim, and he doesn't survive the accident. Which turns out not to be an accident after all.
Leta, her friend Wendy, and Wendy's mother, Belle, have formed an unofficial Little Old Ladies' (LOL) detective agency, and they spring into action to figure out whodunnit. This time, Gemma, the local police detective who usually gently tells the women to mind their own business, asks for their help.
After the initial discovery of the body, there is about 100-page flashback detailing the events that led up to the accident, which I believe slowed the plot down a bit. Once we return to present day, the pace picks up. And it turns out Nicholas was not such a nice person, even though he didn't deserve to die.
Dickens and Christie, Leta's talking dog and cat, are back, and they contribute their analysis to the case.
Although the identity of the murderer was not a big surprise, I enjoyed the read.
The story opens when Leta Parker, the protagonist (a middle-aged American widow who settled in the Cotswolds of England after her husband's death), discovers a car off the road while out cycling. Unfortunately, the new Earl of Stow, Nicholas, is the victim, and he doesn't survive the accident. Which turns out not to be an accident after all.
Leta, her friend Wendy, and Wendy's mother, Belle, have formed an unofficial Little Old Ladies' (LOL) detective agency, and they spring into action to figure out whodunnit. This time, Gemma, the local police detective who usually gently tells the women to mind their own business, asks for their help.
After the initial discovery of the body, there is about 100-page flashback detailing the events that led up to the accident, which I believe slowed the plot down a bit. Once we return to present day, the pace picks up. And it turns out Nicholas was not such a nice person, even though he didn't deserve to die.
Dickens and Christie, Leta's talking dog and cat, are back, and they contribute their analysis to the case.
Although the identity of the murderer was not a big surprise, I enjoyed the read.
July 6, 2022
At first I was a little worried I missed something in a previous book after Leta and Peter found a body while they were cycling, but no worries, there was soon those blessed words "a week earlier" that came along lol. (I do read a lot so it was entirely possible I'd forgotten about some characters though!) Anyway, Leta was about to celebrate her first Christmas in her Cotswolds cottage, but someone offed the new Earl of Stow, and get this, Gemma was actually asking for Leta's help! Yep, I'd have been amazed at that news too.
I had my suspicions but was never totally sure until the showdown whodunit. Once again Leta's life was saved by her beloved Dickens and his dog buddy. Gemma might've been away at a conference, but Leta got her usual share of reaming out by the DCI that was assigned to the case, but I'm sure Gemma set him straight when she got back and told him Leta and the LOL Detective Agency's values to the police. Belle and Wendy got in on the sleuthing as well but not as much scolding.
The Christmas trimming party was the fun gathering at Leta's house that always ends these books, and as always Toby had a sweet and appropriate Christmas toast for his friends. Perfect book for Christmas in July or December. (I can read Christmas anytime though!) Will be borrowing the next book soon!
I had my suspicions but was never totally sure until the showdown whodunit. Once again Leta's life was saved by her beloved Dickens and his dog buddy. Gemma might've been away at a conference, but Leta got her usual share of reaming out by the DCI that was assigned to the case, but I'm sure Gemma set him straight when she got back and told him Leta and the LOL Detective Agency's values to the police. Belle and Wendy got in on the sleuthing as well but not as much scolding.
The Christmas trimming party was the fun gathering at Leta's house that always ends these books, and as always Toby had a sweet and appropriate Christmas toast for his friends. Perfect book for Christmas in July or December. (I can read Christmas anytime though!) Will be borrowing the next book soon!
December 12, 2023
Head to the Cotswolds this Christmas in Kathy Manos Penn’s cozy mystery, Whiskers, Wreaths, and Murder. The Christmas season is in full swing in the English countryside, despite the recent death of the Earl. His heir, an American with unpopular ideas for the manor house and estate, is killed in a suspicious car accident. Leta, a recent transplant from Atlanta, is on the case with other members of the Little Old Ladies (LOL) Detective Agency. I found this cozy mystery charming. With a wonderful eye to detail and the addition of cute cats and dogs (who Leta can communicate with, and prove to be invaluable to solving the crime), this book was the perfect addition to my Christmas reading. I found the characters entertaining and the mystery intriguing. And it was a quick read, perfect for the busy holidays. This book is the 3rd in the series, but I didn’t feel lost at any time. I look forward to more fun reading with the 10-book Christie and Dickens Mystery series.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
October 9, 2023
The 3rd book in this lovely mystery series is ĥset in The Cotswolds. This book is set just before Christmas and involves the new Earl of Astonbury Manor.
The main characters are Leta, her dog Dickens, and Cat Christie (she can understand any animal), Wendy, and her Mum Belle. Between them, they get involved in helping the local police solve murders that seem to occur in their area. Their help is not always appreciated, though!
When the new Earl of the Manor is killed in a traffic accident, Leta and her friends get involved in finding out what happened. They get more than they bargained for, though, and the results could be devastating to one of their members!
Each book is a standalone mystery. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
Each book contains a list of the books referred to throughout the book at the end. There's often a recipe, too.
The main characters are Leta, her dog Dickens, and Cat Christie (she can understand any animal), Wendy, and her Mum Belle. Between them, they get involved in helping the local police solve murders that seem to occur in their area. Their help is not always appreciated, though!
When the new Earl of the Manor is killed in a traffic accident, Leta and her friends get involved in finding out what happened. They get more than they bargained for, though, and the results could be devastating to one of their members!
Each book is a standalone mystery. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
Each book contains a list of the books referred to throughout the book at the end. There's often a recipe, too.
December 1, 2020
This is just a really fun read. Oh it’s a mystery and has your usual dead body but a person who understands her pets, literally? Now that’s unusual. While this is a mystery it has its own dose of humor. Much of it between the pets and the “human” as you can imagine. I liked the author’s setting of the Cotswold’s. It seemed like the description she gave sat me right down in the town. There are a lot of characters in this story and yet each one has his or her own distinct personality. Their personalities help to “paint the town” so to speak, giving you much more depth to this cute little cozy.
Whiskers Wreaths and Murder is Book 3 of a series titled “A Dickens & Christie Mystery”. Looks like Book 4 is coming soon. This is a series to get on your TBR list or better yet, start with Book 1 now.
Whiskers Wreaths and Murder is Book 3 of a series titled “A Dickens & Christie Mystery”. Looks like Book 4 is coming soon. This is a series to get on your TBR list or better yet, start with Book 1 now.
September 30, 2020
Great Setting; Interesting Theme
I like this series and this is the second book I have read from it. The talking dog and cat is a common ploy used in recent copies but I love the way it is done in these books. The dog and cat come alive. I have this one 4 stars because I did find this story bogged down a bit in several chapters. It really was no surprise about the culprit either. Yet, the characters are warm and quickly became familiar. I love the setting of the book and the fact that the reader is pulled into "village" life. I look forward to the next book in the series, more antics of Sickens the dog and Christie, the cat. I also hope to see a bit more romance develop between Dave and Leta.
I like this series and this is the second book I have read from it. The talking dog and cat is a common ploy used in recent copies but I love the way it is done in these books. The dog and cat come alive. I have this one 4 stars because I did find this story bogged down a bit in several chapters. It really was no surprise about the culprit either. Yet, the characters are warm and quickly became familiar. I love the setting of the book and the fact that the reader is pulled into "village" life. I look forward to the next book in the series, more antics of Sickens the dog and Christie, the cat. I also hope to see a bit more romance develop between Dave and Leta.
July 8, 2025
Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! I love all the cozy elements in this mystery series. The Cotswolds village setting; the American ex-pat making a new life for herself after a past tragedy; the incredible friends she makes...and most of all, Christie and Dickens!!!! A cat with the perfect amount of cattitude and a good ol' boy dog who has never met a stranger. And the fact that Leda can converse with them is so much fun! Made even more so by the brilliant narration of Alex Picard. The mystery and a amateur sleuthing aspects are also brilliant -- and I was stumped right up until the very end. Plus, there are lovely festive touches throughout the story which adds just the right amount of holiday cheer.
June 21, 2023
This is a hard book for me to rate. I loved the Christmas preparations, and the mystery itself was well constructed. I was sure I'd figured out whodunnit two different times only to be wrong both times. I'm just really sad that the murderer turned out to be who it turned out to be. I was tempted to take a star away to punish the author, but it's not my book and not my list of characters, so I have to respect her choices. I can only hope that the accused has a really good barrister.
January 24, 2023
New Earl
There's a new Earl, he grew up in America and lives in New York, he's in England now and is upsetting everyone with his ideas to change the Manor into a resort. The local people are upset with his plans to build a helipad, get rid of the sheep and cl kill we the local cottage industry and turn them into rental cottages. Leta and Peter are riding their bikes when they spot the earl's car off the road and an injured earl in it. Once the EMTs get the earl into the ambulance, he passes away. Was this an accident or did someone try to kill the earl. Good story.
There's a new Earl, he grew up in America and lives in New York, he's in England now and is upsetting everyone with his ideas to change the Manor into a resort. The local people are upset with his plans to build a helipad, get rid of the sheep and cl kill we the local cottage industry and turn them into rental cottages. Leta and Peter are riding their bikes when they spot the earl's car off the road and an injured earl in it. Once the EMTs get the earl into the ambulance, he passes away. Was this an accident or did someone try to kill the earl. Good story.
November 21, 2025
Great murder mystery! Lots of twists & turns in plot. Great storytelling!
The author is a truly outstanding storyteller. This is actually a full-length book, like in the olden days when we went to the library to get books 😀 I thoroughly enjoyed this. The characters were described so clearly that you feel like you know them; the same with the scenery, you can picture everything. The plot had so many twists and turn, it's great. This author is new to me. I found the ebook in one of the monthly giveaways. I am going to get the first two books right away. This is a 5*+ rating!
The author is a truly outstanding storyteller. This is actually a full-length book, like in the olden days when we went to the library to get books 😀 I thoroughly enjoyed this. The characters were described so clearly that you feel like you know them; the same with the scenery, you can picture everything. The plot had so many twists and turn, it's great. This author is new to me. I found the ebook in one of the monthly giveaways. I am going to get the first two books right away. This is a 5*+ rating!
October 31, 2020
Love these books!
These books are the most comfortable books I have read. There is enough mystery to keep you interested. I thoroughly enjoy that the protagonist can actually converse with her fur kids. Don't we all wish we could do that. The books are my ideal cozy mysteries. They are light yet not silly or juvenile. A perfect read in our stressful world. The only shortcoming for me is that there aren't more of them.
These books are the most comfortable books I have read. There is enough mystery to keep you interested. I thoroughly enjoy that the protagonist can actually converse with her fur kids. Don't we all wish we could do that. The books are my ideal cozy mysteries. They are light yet not silly or juvenile. A perfect read in our stressful world. The only shortcoming for me is that there aren't more of them.
June 12, 2021
Whiskers wreaths and murder, a cozy English animal mystery.
Another great mystery involving the LOL ladies detective agency. Leta, Wendy, and Belle are kept busy trying to figure out who had it in for the new Lord of the Manor, Nicholas. The animals are a treat, Leta’s pets Christie the cat and Dickens are funny and helpful to Leta. The Christmas holiday food is a bonus with recipes.
Another great mystery involving the LOL ladies detective agency. Leta, Wendy, and Belle are kept busy trying to figure out who had it in for the new Lord of the Manor, Nicholas. The animals are a treat, Leta’s pets Christie the cat and Dickens are funny and helpful to Leta. The Christmas holiday food is a bonus with recipes.
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