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Doused to Death #1
Knocked Scentsless
My husband is now my ex, my career is at a standstill, and I’m basically squatting above my empty storefront in a tiny mountain town in Washington. The only thing getting me through is my perfumes. I’m a “nose” whose job is to create the perfect fragrance, but I’ve been stuck working on my signature scent for months.
If that wasn’t enough, my biggest critic - Old Man Joe - just died, and a bottle of my perfume was found on his person. I can explain, I promise, but no one wants to hear me out.
Thankfully, I have some help. Joe’s old English Bulldog (it’s a long story), and a local firefighter (yes, he’s objectively handsome).
I have a list of suspects in mind, all of whom were at the annual dog Olympics and had the opportunity to kill Joe. I may be one top note short of an alibi, but I’ve got to find who knocked Joe scentsless, and fast, or I’ll be left with nothing.
You won’t stop turning the pages in this cozy, small-town murder mystery with a hint of romance – and a lot of bulldog drool!
If that wasn’t enough, my biggest critic - Old Man Joe - just died, and a bottle of my perfume was found on his person. I can explain, I promise, but no one wants to hear me out.
Thankfully, I have some help. Joe’s old English Bulldog (it’s a long story), and a local firefighter (yes, he’s objectively handsome).
I have a list of suspects in mind, all of whom were at the annual dog Olympics and had the opportunity to kill Joe. I may be one top note short of an alibi, but I’ve got to find who knocked Joe scentsless, and fast, or I’ll be left with nothing.
You won’t stop turning the pages in this cozy, small-town murder mystery with a hint of romance – and a lot of bulldog drool!
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryHumor
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2021
24 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Langley Gray
25 books42 followersAfter spending time in fashion, film, and finance, Langley Gray traveled the world and was lucky enough to marry her own leading man. Three kids and a house in the suburbs later, she decided to add some adventure back into #thatminivanlife by finally pursuing her dream of writing fiction.
She draws on her degree in psychology to shape (read: torture) her characters and is a ghostwriter for cozy mysteries and children's books on the side.
In her spare time, she runs very slowly to loud hip-hop, hikes with lots of snack breaks, and snowboards any green run she can find.
Find her on Instagram @authorlangleygray
Join her mailing list at www.langleygray.com to receive a free novella. 🤍
She draws on her degree in psychology to shape (read: torture) her characters and is a ghostwriter for cozy mysteries and children's books on the side.
In her spare time, she runs very slowly to loud hip-hop, hikes with lots of snack breaks, and snowboards any green run she can find.
Find her on Instagram @authorlangleygray
Join her mailing list at www.langleygray.com to receive a free novella. 🤍
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 23, 2021
First - in all fairness, I am not so sure I’m in the target audience intended for this book. I’m something more like target audience adjacent at best maybe. This was also more of a whim type of read for me to give something a little different to try. Aside from enjoying classic cozy mysteries à la Agatha Christie once in a while, I really have not read a modern cozy mystery before. So by all means take this review with a grain of salt.
So with that covered, it’s just…um, well…tbh KS just veered a little too Hallmark-y side of mystery for me, but again, for all I know this type of take on the modern sub-genre is pretty much par for the course 🤷♀️. Just the same, the accusations against her were a stretch & were all a bit too convenient. The heroine was rather flighty and very shouty(??) or it was perhaps simply a very liberal use of exclamation points 🤷♀️. Idk, she just never struck me as a 39-year-old woman. Seemed like she had the impulse control of a teen sometimes. What little romance there was felt more akin to a middle school crush. I don’t mean that it should’ve been steamy - I understand this aspect of CMs -, but just a little more believably adult would’ve been nice.
Be that as it may, I mean it was still ok.
I never felt like I had to labor through it. The writing was pleasant enough. Then there was Sal, in all of his cute little short stature totally stealing the show…& the doggie Olympics. Oh yeah, Sal’s an English Bulldog btw. That’s right the best character imho was the dog 🐶🤷♀️.
Sorry, not sorry 😂. He’s quite the athlete & the real hero of KS as far as I’m concerned.
*This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
So with that covered, it’s just…um, well…tbh KS just veered a little too Hallmark-y side of mystery for me, but again, for all I know this type of take on the modern sub-genre is pretty much par for the course 🤷♀️. Just the same, the accusations against her were a stretch & were all a bit too convenient. The heroine was rather flighty and very shouty(??) or it was perhaps simply a very liberal use of exclamation points 🤷♀️. Idk, she just never struck me as a 39-year-old woman. Seemed like she had the impulse control of a teen sometimes. What little romance there was felt more akin to a middle school crush. I don’t mean that it should’ve been steamy - I understand this aspect of CMs -, but just a little more believably adult would’ve been nice.
Be that as it may, I mean it was still ok.
I never felt like I had to labor through it. The writing was pleasant enough. Then there was Sal, in all of his cute little short stature totally stealing the show…& the doggie Olympics. Oh yeah, Sal’s an English Bulldog btw. That’s right the best character imho was the dog 🐶🤷♀️.
Sorry, not sorry 😂. He’s quite the athlete & the real hero of KS as far as I’m concerned.
*This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
August 21, 2021
I’m super excited to find this new cozy series with a perfumer for the protagonist! I’ve studied perfumery and am certified, but to study in France is a dream. I’m going to live through Nati on that front though. I can see her organ and smell her scents as she describes them. A brilliant use of scent in the genre, Bravo!
Nati followed her dreams and then her heart. Only her nose keeps the dream alive as her heart was shattered when she moved across he country and then her ex left her. But she’s keeping her perfumery dreams alive and is working on her signature scent.
A local man is unhappy that Nati still hasn’t opened her store, and they have a heated exchange in the local coffeehouse. It’s not for lack of desire, once Nati prefects her signature scent she’ll open for business. When the man is murdered, Nati is set up to take the fall and she’s got to clear her name or end up in jail and never open her shop. With a firefighter and a bulldog, the trio sets out to sniff out a murderer.
The first in a new series and I can’t wait for more scents and mysteries to come!
Nati followed her dreams and then her heart. Only her nose keeps the dream alive as her heart was shattered when she moved across he country and then her ex left her. But she’s keeping her perfumery dreams alive and is working on her signature scent.
A local man is unhappy that Nati still hasn’t opened her store, and they have a heated exchange in the local coffeehouse. It’s not for lack of desire, once Nati prefects her signature scent she’ll open for business. When the man is murdered, Nati is set up to take the fall and she’s got to clear her name or end up in jail and never open her shop. With a firefighter and a bulldog, the trio sets out to sniff out a murderer.
The first in a new series and I can’t wait for more scents and mysteries to come!
August 25, 2021
I enjoyed this light cozy mystery. The dog is a great character, and the only eye witness to a murder. The main characters are likeable, and the story interesting.
August 30, 2021
Knocked Scentless is Quick and Cozy mystery read. In this book we visit town Rosyln where Nati (Female main character) is working in a cafe while perfecting her signature scent so she can finally open her own perfume shop.
As every Barista has to deal with grouchy customer, Nati has to deal with Old Joe, town's self appointed ticking clock and his constant distain towards her.
When in a turn of events, Joe is murdered, Nati ends up being prime suspect.
Luckily Nati has faithful companions like Sal (the pet bulldog) and handsome firefighter Owen.
While I would have liked more character development through the story, there are few things liked.
What I liked:
- Quick Pace
- Salvador the bulldog
- Facts about perfumes
- Base traits of Characters
- A hint of Romance
What I didn't like:
- The young inspector (the character felt unnecessary, as it didn't add either humor or plot to the story)
If you're looking for a fast paced mystery read that you can read while enjoying hot cup of cocoa in cold weather, You should definitely read Knocked scentless. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
As every Barista has to deal with grouchy customer, Nati has to deal with Old Joe, town's self appointed ticking clock and his constant distain towards her.
When in a turn of events, Joe is murdered, Nati ends up being prime suspect.
Luckily Nati has faithful companions like Sal (the pet bulldog) and handsome firefighter Owen.
While I would have liked more character development through the story, there are few things liked.
What I liked:
- Quick Pace
- Salvador the bulldog
- Facts about perfumes
- Base traits of Characters
- A hint of Romance
What I didn't like:
- The young inspector (the character felt unnecessary, as it didn't add either humor or plot to the story)
If you're looking for a fast paced mystery read that you can read while enjoying hot cup of cocoa in cold weather, You should definitely read Knocked scentless. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
October 21, 2021
This book is the perfect cosy mystery to read by the fire with a cup of tea and the company of your favorite pet. Honestly, I didn't think the plot would be interesting enough to make a difference but it is! Finding the clues by smell rather than the traditional is such a new experience that it makes the book feel really fresh and new. The story keeps being intriguing until the very end when the killer is discovered.
I found this book to be an enjoyable read, fairly quick without being rushed or boring and I am excited for the rest of the series although I'm not sure how the author intends on renewing and developp the storyline, as it is quite specific. Guess we'll have to see!
So excited to pick up more books by the author, and her covers are so pretty too!
I found this book to be an enjoyable read, fairly quick without being rushed or boring and I am excited for the rest of the series although I'm not sure how the author intends on renewing and developp the storyline, as it is quite specific. Guess we'll have to see!
So excited to pick up more books by the author, and her covers are so pretty too!
November 14, 2021
I think this was a case of 'it's not you, it's me.' This was cute enough, although seemingly very far-fetched with very two dimensional characters. I didn't hate reading it and I think there are a lot of people who will really enjoy this story, but I think cozy mysteries just aren't really for me.
This had a really cute premise, and I did enjoy certain aspects of it, but overall, it was just an ok read for me, and probably would have been a DNF if it hadn't been as short as it was.
Thank you to netgalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This had a really cute premise, and I did enjoy certain aspects of it, but overall, it was just an ok read for me, and probably would have been a DNF if it hadn't been as short as it was.
Thank you to netgalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2021
Who Killed Old Joe ? . . .
Nati Butler creates perfume fragrances and lives above her empty storefront in a tiny mountain town in Washington. Until she perfects her signature scent, the store remains closed. She sleeps upstairs on a matress on the floor, not the most comfortable of situations. All her hopes ride on the perfect perfume that will bring her the success she is looking for. In the meantime, she had to take odd jobs to survive until her breakthrough. Right now, she was a barista at the coffee shop next door. And as he did every morning at 5:45 a.m., Old Man Joe Mallory stood outside her empty store window and scowled, tapping his foot impatiently. She put a small portion of her latest perfume in a vial in a pocket so she could smell it later and make notes while on break at the coffee shop. Then she went next door, started the coffee machines, and opened the door. Joe ordered something different today, sat down, then Will, Al, Jonathan joined him as they did every morning to play Hearts together. And once again, Joe harassed her about when she would be opening her store. Being empty made it an eyesore.
Firefighter Owen Morris was just arriving at the café when Joe continued his tirade and threatened to talk to the town council about her store being a “blemish to this town”. Then he grabbed his dog Salvador’s leash and stormed out. He had entered the little English Bulldog in a hurdle contest in the dog Olympics. He never won, but he was entered each year for that event. When Marcy arrived to take over as barista, Nati headed out for the Olympics opening ceremony. She quickly stopped at her store to put on sunscreen and change out of her work clothes. When the hurdle event began, Joe Mallory was announced but did not appear. As everyone looked around, Salvadore came out from behind a supply shed – and in the dog’s mouth was a piece of Joe’s shirt drenched in blood!
Nati becomes a suspect in a murder as her perfume vial was found in the pocket of Old Joe’s shirt. She has to find a way to clear her name. With the help of Owen, her firefighter friend, and with Salvador, the sole witness to Joe's murder, can they track down the real killer?
The story line is well-writtten, fast-paced, and flows comfortably as we meet the characters. Nati’s argument with the victim and her perfume vial in his pocket made things look bad for her. But her new partners are ready to help her solve the crime! Grab your copy and enjoy a well-told mystery!
Nati Butler creates perfume fragrances and lives above her empty storefront in a tiny mountain town in Washington. Until she perfects her signature scent, the store remains closed. She sleeps upstairs on a matress on the floor, not the most comfortable of situations. All her hopes ride on the perfect perfume that will bring her the success she is looking for. In the meantime, she had to take odd jobs to survive until her breakthrough. Right now, she was a barista at the coffee shop next door. And as he did every morning at 5:45 a.m., Old Man Joe Mallory stood outside her empty store window and scowled, tapping his foot impatiently. She put a small portion of her latest perfume in a vial in a pocket so she could smell it later and make notes while on break at the coffee shop. Then she went next door, started the coffee machines, and opened the door. Joe ordered something different today, sat down, then Will, Al, Jonathan joined him as they did every morning to play Hearts together. And once again, Joe harassed her about when she would be opening her store. Being empty made it an eyesore.
Firefighter Owen Morris was just arriving at the café when Joe continued his tirade and threatened to talk to the town council about her store being a “blemish to this town”. Then he grabbed his dog Salvador’s leash and stormed out. He had entered the little English Bulldog in a hurdle contest in the dog Olympics. He never won, but he was entered each year for that event. When Marcy arrived to take over as barista, Nati headed out for the Olympics opening ceremony. She quickly stopped at her store to put on sunscreen and change out of her work clothes. When the hurdle event began, Joe Mallory was announced but did not appear. As everyone looked around, Salvadore came out from behind a supply shed – and in the dog’s mouth was a piece of Joe’s shirt drenched in blood!
Nati becomes a suspect in a murder as her perfume vial was found in the pocket of Old Joe’s shirt. She has to find a way to clear her name. With the help of Owen, her firefighter friend, and with Salvador, the sole witness to Joe's murder, can they track down the real killer?
The story line is well-writtten, fast-paced, and flows comfortably as we meet the characters. Nati’s argument with the victim and her perfume vial in his pocket made things look bad for her. But her new partners are ready to help her solve the crime! Grab your copy and enjoy a well-told mystery!
September 11, 2021
Book Review: Knocked Scentsless - A Cozy Mystery by Langley Gray
Rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Genre: Thriller/YA Romance
Published: 8/23/21
Summary: My husband is now my ex, my career is at a standstill, and I’m basically squatting above my empty storefront in a tiny mountain town in Washington. The only thing getting me through is my perfumes. I’m a “nose” whose job it is to create the perfect fragrance, but I’ve been stuck working on my signature scent for months. If that wasn’t enough, my biggest critic - Old Man Joe - just died, and a bottle of my perfume was found on his person. I can explain, I promise, but no one wants to hear me out. Thankfully, I have some help. Joe’s old English Bulldog (it’s a long story), and a local firefighter (yes, he’s objectively handsome(. I have a list of suspects in mind, all of who were at the annual dog Olympics and had the opportunity to kill Joe. I may be one top note short of an alibi, but I’ve got to find who knocked Joe scentsless, and fast. Or I’ll be left with nothing. You won’t stop turning the pages in this cozy, small-town murder mystery with a hint of romance - and a lot of bulldog drool!
Review: Another great book by Langley Gray! This was definitely more of a light thriller than what I am used to, but still great none the less. I love how the main character uses perfume to try and catch who the murderer is. And all the dogs...I love dogs and I love that she used the victims dog to solve the murder. It was also bittersweet as it was based in Washington, which we are going through the whole process of buying a home there. And we were just in Yakima which was one of the towns mentioned in this book. This was a very cute quick read and I definitely recommend to all my fellow book lovers!
#bookworm #bookaddict #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #knockedscentsless #langleygray #thriller #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #bookreader #booklover #booknerd #bookreviewer #currentlyreading #readingtime #readersofinsta #goodreads #kindlereads #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #bibliophile #bookstagramcommunity @authorlangleygray
Rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Genre: Thriller/YA Romance
Published: 8/23/21
Summary: My husband is now my ex, my career is at a standstill, and I’m basically squatting above my empty storefront in a tiny mountain town in Washington. The only thing getting me through is my perfumes. I’m a “nose” whose job it is to create the perfect fragrance, but I’ve been stuck working on my signature scent for months. If that wasn’t enough, my biggest critic - Old Man Joe - just died, and a bottle of my perfume was found on his person. I can explain, I promise, but no one wants to hear me out. Thankfully, I have some help. Joe’s old English Bulldog (it’s a long story), and a local firefighter (yes, he’s objectively handsome(. I have a list of suspects in mind, all of who were at the annual dog Olympics and had the opportunity to kill Joe. I may be one top note short of an alibi, but I’ve got to find who knocked Joe scentsless, and fast. Or I’ll be left with nothing. You won’t stop turning the pages in this cozy, small-town murder mystery with a hint of romance - and a lot of bulldog drool!
Review: Another great book by Langley Gray! This was definitely more of a light thriller than what I am used to, but still great none the less. I love how the main character uses perfume to try and catch who the murderer is. And all the dogs...I love dogs and I love that she used the victims dog to solve the murder. It was also bittersweet as it was based in Washington, which we are going through the whole process of buying a home there. And we were just in Yakima which was one of the towns mentioned in this book. This was a very cute quick read and I definitely recommend to all my fellow book lovers!
#bookworm #bookaddict #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #knockedscentsless #langleygray #thriller #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #bookreader #booklover #booknerd #bookreviewer #currentlyreading #readingtime #readersofinsta #goodreads #kindlereads #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #bibliophile #bookstagramcommunity @authorlangleygray
September 16, 2021
A wonderful new series that uses a perfumer as the protagonist which is a new theme. Nati Butler, divorced and doing the only thing she was trained and knows how to do and that is to create custom perfumes. She is renting a shop next to the coffee shop and is squatting upstairs in the store's loft. She hasn't opened up for sales yet since she is trying to create the ultimate scent she remembers from her time in France. She works next door as a manager/barista of the coffee shop so she can pay the bills and work on her ultimate scent before she opens up her shop much to the chagrin of old Joe a complaining citizen of the town. She tries to explain things to him, but he doesn't care even through he comes in for his morning coffee and a card game with his buddies. And the town is known for the Dog Olympics attracting a lot of doggie contestants and tourists. Each year Joe enters his dog Salvatore, but the dog just doesn't win ever.For years, only this one family whose Beagle keeps winning. But when Joe is found Dead behind the supply shed with Salvatore running out from the back of the shed with a piece of Joe's bloody shirt in his mouth, things go from bad to worse for Nati. It seems a vial of her perfume is found broken in Joe's back pocket. So the prime suspect for the murder has now become Nati. and with the help of one of the firemen who seems to have taken a liking to Nati and with Sal, Joe's dog she is taking care of the trio set out to clear Nati's name. With lots of twists and turns we are taken through a series of strange events. Will Nati clear her name before the killer finds her? I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
August 23, 2021
A warm comforting read.
I was sold when I saw the book's cover... It had a dog on it...
I had read Langley's Socialites series, and she was an author I liked... now she's a human I like... who knows what it is to be an amazing dog parent.
One of my pet peeves when I read books or watch movies/series with dogs as protagonists, is that the dog is always wearing a collar... and collars are WRONG for dogs... what dogs need is the right harness... So when I saw the first reference to a harness in the book, I was so relieved... Finally an author who truly cares about dogs, and who did her research!!!
𝗦𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲, 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿. 𝗛𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻.
And this comes through throughout the book... all references to the dog are thoughtful, keeping in mind that they are sentient... and it's obvious that the author does not just like dogs, she's made the effort to observe and understand them.
Dog. Dog. Dog.
If you're still reading... the main protagonist of the book is a refreshing 38 years, and is a struggling perfume artist working on creating her signature scent, and build a life in the small town that is now her home. So the word play with the title of the book is catchy and clever.
This is the book for you if you like contemporary cozy mysteries, or if you like books with a dog as the crucial protagonist in the story. I'm waiting impatiently to read the next book in this series.
I was sold when I saw the book's cover... It had a dog on it...
I had read Langley's Socialites series, and she was an author I liked... now she's a human I like... who knows what it is to be an amazing dog parent.
One of my pet peeves when I read books or watch movies/series with dogs as protagonists, is that the dog is always wearing a collar... and collars are WRONG for dogs... what dogs need is the right harness... So when I saw the first reference to a harness in the book, I was so relieved... Finally an author who truly cares about dogs, and who did her research!!!
𝗦𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲, 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿. 𝗛𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻.
And this comes through throughout the book... all references to the dog are thoughtful, keeping in mind that they are sentient... and it's obvious that the author does not just like dogs, she's made the effort to observe and understand them.
Dog. Dog. Dog.
If you're still reading... the main protagonist of the book is a refreshing 38 years, and is a struggling perfume artist working on creating her signature scent, and build a life in the small town that is now her home. So the word play with the title of the book is catchy and clever.
This is the book for you if you like contemporary cozy mysteries, or if you like books with a dog as the crucial protagonist in the story. I'm waiting impatiently to read the next book in this series.
September 16, 2021
Nati Butler lives in a small mountain town in Washington - Roslyn. She makes perfume which is her passion and her home is a room above her empty shopfront. She is trying to perfect her signature scent and will remain virtually penniless until then, only just scraping by on her earnings from her job as a barista at Cuppa Café. Her husband has left her and life is bleak at the moment, though Nati knows she has reasons to be thankful. Then Joe, a grumpy old bloke who and has coffee in the Café every day with 3 friends and his chocolate coloured dog, Salvador and is highly critical of Nati, is found dead...
Knocked Scentsless was such a fun, unique, and charming story that I didn't want to put down between chapters. The plot was a good 'un and I loved the characters. Nati is determined to realise her ambition, and it was wonderful to meet her. I liked the addition of the interesting facts about fragrances. This is a series I would love to continue with as Langley Gray's highly addictive storytelling really worked for me. A super, refreshing tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from the publisher/ author via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Knocked Scentsless was such a fun, unique, and charming story that I didn't want to put down between chapters. The plot was a good 'un and I loved the characters. Nati is determined to realise her ambition, and it was wonderful to meet her. I liked the addition of the interesting facts about fragrances. This is a series I would love to continue with as Langley Gray's highly addictive storytelling really worked for me. A super, refreshing tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from the publisher/ author via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
August 25, 2021
Knocked Scentsless is an interesting story about a woman who plans to open a perfume store selling scents she custom designs, the death of a citizen who berates her for not having her store open already, an orphaned dog who can't go home and a potential love interest in the guise of a local firefighter. Hot of a divorce, Nati moves to Rosyln to open a perfume store. While perfecting her signature scent, she works as a Barista at Cuppa Cafe. Joe is a grumpy old man who is critical of Nati and has coffee in the Cafe every day with 3 friends and his dog Salvatore Following an exchange of words with Nati, Joe is found dead at the beginning of the local Dog Olympics. Cast as a prime suspect, Nati, Sal and Owen the Firefighter, investigate the prime suspects. As they investigate, the secrets of a small town are revealed. Using her skills, Nati makes scents to match each of her suspects with Sal as the judge of which one is the murderer. A unique and different way to catch the killer among all the suspects on her list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2021
*I received an ARC of this book from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review*
Booksirens recommended this book for me as I am a big Cozy Mystery lover and I have to say..... It was great! I really loved this book! It was simple, not too many characters, a protagonist I loved and a hunky firefighter next to it. Well I assume he's Hunky.... Anyway! The mystery itself was good, I had no idea who the killer was. Our protagonist Nati has a fall out with Joe, who gets killed. What I loved most is that she identifies people by their smells. She has been a perfumist and still tries to get the perfect scent, but works in a bar so she can eventually start op her own store. That gift helps her to identify the killer, which she needs to do as she herself is the prime suspect!
I really loved this story and I am happy to see a second book is in the making. I really want to continue reading of the adventures of Nati, Owen and Salvador, the dog owned by Joe that now lives with Nati. I would really recommend it if you are looking for a easy and fun read!
Booksirens recommended this book for me as I am a big Cozy Mystery lover and I have to say..... It was great! I really loved this book! It was simple, not too many characters, a protagonist I loved and a hunky firefighter next to it. Well I assume he's Hunky.... Anyway! The mystery itself was good, I had no idea who the killer was. Our protagonist Nati has a fall out with Joe, who gets killed. What I loved most is that she identifies people by their smells. She has been a perfumist and still tries to get the perfect scent, but works in a bar so she can eventually start op her own store. That gift helps her to identify the killer, which she needs to do as she herself is the prime suspect!
I really loved this story and I am happy to see a second book is in the making. I really want to continue reading of the adventures of Nati, Owen and Salvador, the dog owned by Joe that now lives with Nati. I would really recommend it if you are looking for a easy and fun read!
August 10, 2021
Knocked Scentsless is Book 1 in the Doused to Death Series by Langley Gray. This is a new author for me and I am happy to say that I loved this book. Langley Gray built a solid foundation for the series. I really like when an author informs me about “who is who”. The book has a quick pace and the story flows. Nati has a small argument with Joe and when Joe is found dead, Nati is the main suspect. When Nati gets custody of Joe’s dog, Salvatore, and partnership is born. Although the main mystery is Joe’s murder, the other main theme is the Dog Olympics. I love dogs and cozy mysteries... this book is perfect! I can’t wait to read book 2 in the series. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 29, 2021
I loved this book - the cover is great and the story was pacey and compelling. It was written in first person which really worked for this author and character and the small perfume details thrown in, really helped set Nati (the main character) in my head. My favourite character was Sal, the English bulldog but I as quite appreciative of Owen the fireman, too. Without giving away spoilers, I did enjoy how Nati worked out 'whodunnit' and would love to read more in the series.
I guess my criticisms are that some of the characters could have been more developed and the young police officer really should have been cut as he added nothing to the storyline or enjoyment.
A solid 4.5/5
I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving a digital ARC on Netgalley.
I guess my criticisms are that some of the characters could have been more developed and the young police officer really should have been cut as he added nothing to the storyline or enjoyment.
A solid 4.5/5
I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving a digital ARC on Netgalley.
September 12, 2021
When I need a break from the heavier novels I usually punish myself with, I turn to things like Knocked Scentless. Super cosy, super simple, super fun. After everything we’ve all had to deal with lately, it’s books like this that serve as the perfect distraction from real life.
Langley Gray’s writing is well-paced and flows from the page like a dream, meaning you can just curl up somewhere and get swept away with the story for a couple of hours. No problem. And can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is??
This is the first instalment of the Doused to Death series, and it’s fair to say I can’t wait to read more!
Langley Gray’s writing is well-paced and flows from the page like a dream, meaning you can just curl up somewhere and get swept away with the story for a couple of hours. No problem. And can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is??
This is the first instalment of the Doused to Death series, and it’s fair to say I can’t wait to read more!
September 16, 2021
Knocked Scentless by Langley Gray is a wonderful Cozy Mystery!! I throughly enjoyed this book!! I really liked Nati’s character lol 😆 she just jumps in wherever she thinks she needs to, whether she does or not. I laughed, smiled Andrade a hard time trying to figure out who did it. Owen’s a wonderful character as well being Nati’s sidekick but there is chemistry between the two of them. Look forward to to seeing where their relationship goes. I received this advanced readers copy for my honest review.
August 19, 2021
Langley Gray has done it again! I loved the last series I read by her, so when I got an email that a new ARC was available by her, I immediately went and downloaded it. Knocked Scentsless will have you turning page after page, not wanting to put it down. I read it in about 2 hours or so over 2 sittings. I loved the characters, I loved the storyline. I had no idea who the murderer was. I didn’t want the story to end! I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
August 25, 2021
loved it !!! a great start for a new series !!! love Nati and Sal and Owen... this is their story... a fast paced murder mystery...dog olympics...perfume...and an argument... it's murder in a small town... can Nati ,Sal and Owen the firefighter solve this ? well, they have, too...Nati is the suspect... fun story...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2021
I loved this book!
The cover of this book had me hooked and the story line did the rest. Knocked Scentless is a fast paced and cosy mystery read, with a dog being the only witness in a strange turn in events.
This quirky read is written brilliantly and aids in it being an easy and enjoyable read.
Simply beautiful, a read that I feel most would enjoy.
A HUGE thank you to Langley Gray and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The cover of this book had me hooked and the story line did the rest. Knocked Scentless is a fast paced and cosy mystery read, with a dog being the only witness in a strange turn in events.
This quirky read is written brilliantly and aids in it being an easy and enjoyable read.
Simply beautiful, a read that I feel most would enjoy.
A HUGE thank you to Langley Gray and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2021
When Old Man Joe is murdered and a perfume bottle is found on him, Nati Butler is suspect number one. She sets out to find just who killed Old Man Joe. A good start to a cozy series. Great characters. Good story plot. Thanks #netgalley and #LangleyGray for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
August 29, 2021
A nice, sweet and relaxing read. Just like its name; cozy mystery. Good plot, lovely characters.
This book is just what i need after working the whole day. Helps calm me down and soothe my nerves.
Totally recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is just what i need after working the whole day. Helps calm me down and soothe my nerves.
Totally recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2021
It was like watching a good CSI show. Each time you thought you had it you where wrong but eventually the truth came out. Loved that smells and a dog where the winning combination to solve this case.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2021
This is the first book in the Dosed to Death cozy mystery series. This is a fun read with a great plot. The characters are great especially the dog. Great character development. Twists and unexpected turns keep you reading.
August 29, 2021
This was an interesting read and it was intense and funny and teary eyed the next. It really is a good read and readers should read it in my opinion. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2021
It was a light read and intriguing. I enjoyed the and unique aspects within the book, like how Nati uses perfume to catch the murderer. This was a fun mystery/thriller book and a good book to start a series. I enjoyed the storyline and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a light mystery book!
August 28, 2021
A light, quick cozy mystery. A spark of romance, a cute dog, and several suspects all create an engaging and charming tale. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
August 29, 2021
Scentsational
This was a delight. I thoroughly enjoyed every character. I read it in one sitting. Well written and cute! Read it now.
This was a delight. I thoroughly enjoyed every character. I read it in one sitting. Well written and cute! Read it now.
August 8, 2021
Knocked Scentless by Langley Gray
Published: August 23, 2021
Bisico Press
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Langley Gray traveled around the world and was lucky enough to marry her own leading man. Three kids and a house in the suburbs later, she decided to add some adventure back into #thatminivanlife by pursuing her dream of writing fiction.
“What delicate secrets these quaint little towns could hold.”
Nati has dreams of bringing her signature scent to life in her very own little shop. She acquired the space, but the formula still needs some work. When a tragedy strikes and Nati finds herself in the hot seat, she realizes it’s going to take more than her nose to find out just who is behind the murder of ornery Joe Mallory.
Oh, my heart. This was such a fun, light, unique, charming story! The premise is so fun, and I loved the characters. Nati is determined to find her success, and she refuses to accept anything less. I loved getting to know her.
This little town was beyond adorable, as were the cast of characters. Langley has such a talent for creating characters that you fall in love with. Hands down, my favorite character was Sal, obviously, but Owen was quite fantastic. I enjoyed watching Own and Nati sweetly find their way to each other.
This was such a fun mystery. I enjoyed the setup and the pacing. I also enjoyed the research that went into creating perfume and how that was woven throughout the story in all aspects. The way scents are described, you can almost smell them.
I cannot wait for the next book in this new series. With a charming leading lady, a hunky leading man, and a spunky four-legged sidekick, how can this book be anything but amazing? Another absolute smash from Langley Gray.
Published: August 23, 2021
Bisico Press
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Langley Gray traveled around the world and was lucky enough to marry her own leading man. Three kids and a house in the suburbs later, she decided to add some adventure back into #thatminivanlife by pursuing her dream of writing fiction.
“What delicate secrets these quaint little towns could hold.”
Nati has dreams of bringing her signature scent to life in her very own little shop. She acquired the space, but the formula still needs some work. When a tragedy strikes and Nati finds herself in the hot seat, she realizes it’s going to take more than her nose to find out just who is behind the murder of ornery Joe Mallory.
Oh, my heart. This was such a fun, light, unique, charming story! The premise is so fun, and I loved the characters. Nati is determined to find her success, and she refuses to accept anything less. I loved getting to know her.
This little town was beyond adorable, as were the cast of characters. Langley has such a talent for creating characters that you fall in love with. Hands down, my favorite character was Sal, obviously, but Owen was quite fantastic. I enjoyed watching Own and Nati sweetly find their way to each other.
This was such a fun mystery. I enjoyed the setup and the pacing. I also enjoyed the research that went into creating perfume and how that was woven throughout the story in all aspects. The way scents are described, you can almost smell them.
I cannot wait for the next book in this new series. With a charming leading lady, a hunky leading man, and a spunky four-legged sidekick, how can this book be anything but amazing? Another absolute smash from Langley Gray.
August 18, 2021
This is a sweet story, but it didn’t really do it for me.
There are some interesting characters and a funny backstory with olympics for dogs that engage an entire town.
The heroine, Nati, is divorced and pennieless with a dream to make the perfect perfume scent. A murder occurs and Nati is a suspect, in a very far fetched way.
After a night in jail she tries to solve the murder and firefighter Owen is an eager partner. So is the dead guy’s dog Sal. Nati has an idea of solving the murder by scent… that was weird.
I give three stars, it’s an entertaining book, even if I found it a little enervating.
The language is good and there are some good characters, but there are also some character descriptions that feel very generic and almost cartoon like. The Jackson family that all wear pink shields, the jovial Mayor with something to hide, the hot firefighter, to name a few.
But still, it’s a fun story.
I recieved an advance reading copy for free, and I’m leaving this review volountarily,
There are some interesting characters and a funny backstory with olympics for dogs that engage an entire town.
The heroine, Nati, is divorced and pennieless with a dream to make the perfect perfume scent. A murder occurs and Nati is a suspect, in a very far fetched way.
After a night in jail she tries to solve the murder and firefighter Owen is an eager partner. So is the dead guy’s dog Sal. Nati has an idea of solving the murder by scent… that was weird.
I give three stars, it’s an entertaining book, even if I found it a little enervating.
The language is good and there are some good characters, but there are also some character descriptions that feel very generic and almost cartoon like. The Jackson family that all wear pink shields, the jovial Mayor with something to hide, the hot firefighter, to name a few.
But still, it’s a fun story.
I recieved an advance reading copy for free, and I’m leaving this review volountarily,
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