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Barkview Mysteries #1
Cavaliered to Death
A deadly dog show, a matted mess of missing dogs, and a past dogging her…
Award-winning author C.B. Wilson delivers a heartwarming series about a cat person's journey of canine discovery.
“Its quirkiness, humor, and intelligence give it the feel of a Nancy Drew/Miss Marple mystery hybrid with an even more exciting conclusion.” —Essien Asian from Reader’s Favorite
The dog-friendliest city in America is no place for a cat lover. Especially during dog show week when competition turns the idyllic seaside town dog-eat-dog. When two champion Cavalier King Charles Spaniels disappear, and the mayor's wife is murdered, investigative reporter Cat Wright is on the scent. The problem is, all the evidence she digs up incriminates her aunt.
Favored to win Best In Show, Cat’s aunt does have motive. When the dognapped dogs are found in her aunt’s kennel, Cat realizes that this is a blue ribbon setup.
Can Cat walk with the leash lovers long enough to catch a killer before she becomes the next victim?
Cavaliered to Death is the charming first book in the Barkview Mysteries cozy mystery series. If you like characters out of their comfort zones, spectacular twists, and plenty of paw-friendly humor, then you’ll love C.B. Wilson’s biscuit of sleuthing.
Award-winning author C.B. Wilson delivers a heartwarming series about a cat person's journey of canine discovery.
“Its quirkiness, humor, and intelligence give it the feel of a Nancy Drew/Miss Marple mystery hybrid with an even more exciting conclusion.” —Essien Asian from Reader’s Favorite
The dog-friendliest city in America is no place for a cat lover. Especially during dog show week when competition turns the idyllic seaside town dog-eat-dog. When two champion Cavalier King Charles Spaniels disappear, and the mayor's wife is murdered, investigative reporter Cat Wright is on the scent. The problem is, all the evidence she digs up incriminates her aunt.
Favored to win Best In Show, Cat’s aunt does have motive. When the dognapped dogs are found in her aunt’s kennel, Cat realizes that this is a blue ribbon setup.
Can Cat walk with the leash lovers long enough to catch a killer before she becomes the next victim?
Cavaliered to Death is the charming first book in the Barkview Mysteries cozy mystery series. If you like characters out of their comfort zones, spectacular twists, and plenty of paw-friendly humor, then you’ll love C.B. Wilson’s biscuit of sleuthing.
262 pages, ebook
Published August 28, 2021
429 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
C.B. Wilson
14 books30 followersThe award-winning author of the critically acclaimed Barkview Mysteries series, C.B. Wilson’s love of writing was spurred by an early childhood encounter with a Nancy Drew book where she precociously wrote what she felt was a better ending. After studying at the Gemology Institute of America, she developed a passion for researching lost, stolen and missing diamonds–the big kind. Her fascination with dogs and their passionate owners inspired Barkview, California, the dog friendliest city in America.
C.B. lives in Peoria, AZ with her husband. She is an avid pickleball player who enjoys traveling to play tournaments. She admits to chocoholic tendencies and laughing out loud at dog comics.
C.B. lives in Peoria, AZ with her husband. She is an avid pickleball player who enjoys traveling to play tournaments. She admits to chocoholic tendencies and laughing out loud at dog comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 28, 2022
Great dog lover cozy
The author gives us a great tale of intrigue of dog competition, and a peek at the horror that is dog fighting. She took a small town, added loyal friends and family, threw in a few clinkers and some good investigators for a strong winner.
The author gives us a great tale of intrigue of dog competition, and a peek at the horror that is dog fighting. She took a small town, added loyal friends and family, threw in a few clinkers and some good investigators for a strong winner.
September 25, 2025
I had such a great time with Cavaliered to Death 🐶Even though it was my very first book in English, it still felt like a super cozy read. I wish I could move to this dog-crazed town and now I’ve learned a lot of dog puns. I also liked how the mysteries kept building up with every chapter. Cute, fun, and exciting and as a Cavalier lover and owner it was an absolute treat! 💗
April 21, 2025
What a fantastic start to a great series! I love Cat Wright, her amazing aunt, and her soon-to-be boyfriend (? fingers crossed). The setting is delightful, and the dogs are fabulous. The whole series is a light, enjoyable, fun series of whodunnits. Love these books so much!
September 29, 2025
A cute mystery for any dog lover. This town is dedicated to dogs. Cat, the main character was not a lover of dogs after suffering a vicious attack from a previous job. The story is endearing and the mystery was interesting and took a few unexpected turns.
November 13, 2025
Delightful. Cozy mystery set in the town of dog-centric Barkview. I feared this would be gimmicky (there's a series of insert-dog breed here "to death" books), but the gimmick works! Attention to character arch and a few interwoven plot points plus multiple mysteries made this click. I could enjoy all of the dogginess thoroughly and without compromise. I loved the heroism of the Cavalier protagonist and the thought-experiment of what a truly dog-devoted city would be like --an emergency vet at the ready, dogs counting as passengers in HOV lanes etc. Delightful! Paws up!
May 11, 2022
After investigative reporter, Catalina Wright is nearly killed exposing a dogfighting ring, she returns to her Aunt Char’s home in Barkview, California to recover and produce her aunt’s talk,show. Ironically, this is the dog-loving capital of the world and Cat is a cat person. As she is settling in, a champion Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is kidnapped and the owner killed. Her Uncle G, the sheriff, and Russ, a very attractive FBI consultant, team up to find the dogs and the reason behind their abduction as well as the murder. The investigation leads down many roads with many dead ends. Who is in danger and who is responsible? Will the truth be discovered before someone else is targeted? The mystery is complex and entertaining. The characters are plentiful but I had no difficulty keeping them straight and enjoying the variety of the town’s canine population. I think anyone who enjoys solving puzzling mysteries with a variety of characters, both human and canine, will find this new series one to add to their reading list. I will be look forward to,returning to Barkview for another visit and another mystery to solve.
October 7, 2022
Cavaliered to Death: A Dog Lover's Cozey Mystery (Barkview Mysteries Book 1)
WOW Just WOW, I know C.B. Wilson is a fabulous cozey mystery writer but, WOW I was expecting a mildly light cozey mystery with a ruffle of murder, but this new series is so has started off with a full on dash. The array of characters are so vibrant, charismatic and bold drawing you in their strange world of accentrich dog lovers. Enticing you further with its intriguing and unique mystery of murder and dog napping with an interesting mix of characters as suspects and a plot that keeps you focusing on the unique nature of a small town consumed by an overwhelming affection and respect for dogs while trying to gather clues as to who is trying to sabotage one of its matriarch citizens. It has been so fascinating. I couldn't put this mystery down until I came to its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Cavaliered to Death " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
WOW Just WOW, I know C.B. Wilson is a fabulous cozey mystery writer but, WOW I was expecting a mildly light cozey mystery with a ruffle of murder, but this new series is so has started off with a full on dash. The array of characters are so vibrant, charismatic and bold drawing you in their strange world of accentrich dog lovers. Enticing you further with its intriguing and unique mystery of murder and dog napping with an interesting mix of characters as suspects and a plot that keeps you focusing on the unique nature of a small town consumed by an overwhelming affection and respect for dogs while trying to gather clues as to who is trying to sabotage one of its matriarch citizens. It has been so fascinating. I couldn't put this mystery down until I came to its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Cavaliered to Death " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
February 24, 2024
CAVALIERED TO DEATH
A Barkview Mystery
C.B. Wilson
Review by Author Roy Murry
Catalina, CAT, is the only cat lover in the dog city of Barkview. She is the producer of her Aunt Char's Dog Show, an entertaining TV program that teaches people how to train their canines.
Everyone in Barkview has a dog, many with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. A Champion dog competition has come to Barkview.
Two famous canines cannot be found, and the owner is dead. All indications say Aunt Char did the crime.
CAT is an investigation report in her past life; her new friend Russ is with the FBI, and Uncle G. is the sheriff with two dogs who follow him around.
The three's investigative skills are used in a long dog-days night crime wave, including a kennel burning. CAT's past explodes in the present with a deadly ending.
C.B. Wilson's writing is crisp and colorful but a little too detailed for me. However, if you love dogs, you will love CAVALIERED TO DEATH.
A Barkview Mystery
C.B. Wilson
Review by Author Roy Murry
Catalina, CAT, is the only cat lover in the dog city of Barkview. She is the producer of her Aunt Char's Dog Show, an entertaining TV program that teaches people how to train their canines.
Everyone in Barkview has a dog, many with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. A Champion dog competition has come to Barkview.
Two famous canines cannot be found, and the owner is dead. All indications say Aunt Char did the crime.
CAT is an investigation report in her past life; her new friend Russ is with the FBI, and Uncle G. is the sheriff with two dogs who follow him around.
The three's investigative skills are used in a long dog-days night crime wave, including a kennel burning. CAT's past explodes in the present with a deadly ending.
C.B. Wilson's writing is crisp and colorful but a little too detailed for me. However, if you love dogs, you will love CAVALIERED TO DEATH.
August 14, 2024
Catalina “Cat” Wright is an investigative reporter and the only non-dog person in a dog crazy town called Barkview. While the concept of the town is a little over the top, Cat’s personality is realistically portrayed, which tends to balance out the quirky townspeople. And she’s got spunk; I do love a spunky protagonist.
When two prize-winning Cavalier King Charles Spaniels disappear (and the owner of one of them, the mayor’s wife, is murdered) right before a big competition, the prime suspect is Cat’s aunt, who owns the dog that is most likely a shoe-in for the grand prize.
Cat sets out to clear her Aunt Char’s name, while also dog-sitting the champion Renny, now disguised as an ordinary dog she is fostering for a rescue shelter. When Renny assists with the investigation, Cat warms up some toward canines in general.
This is a well-written and fun read, with several good twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
When two prize-winning Cavalier King Charles Spaniels disappear (and the owner of one of them, the mayor’s wife, is murdered) right before a big competition, the prime suspect is Cat’s aunt, who owns the dog that is most likely a shoe-in for the grand prize.
Cat sets out to clear her Aunt Char’s name, while also dog-sitting the champion Renny, now disguised as an ordinary dog she is fostering for a rescue shelter. When Renny assists with the investigation, Cat warms up some toward canines in general.
This is a well-written and fun read, with several good twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
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May 27, 2024The massive amount of dog-centric focus and conversation overwhelmed the basic mystery. I'm not interested.
Amazon synopsis:
A feline-loving investigative reporter living in the dog-friendliest city in America, what can go wrong during dog show week when the quaint seaside town turns dog-eat-dog?
Cat Wright can almost handle dogs, but she finds the delicate balance bitterly disrupted when two opposing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels disappear and the mayor’s wife is murdered.
With her aunt heading the list of suspects due to the town’s cutthroat rivalry, Cat determines she must dig up enough evidence to prove her innocence. But, as the facts stack up against them, she’s plagued with a new problem—the dognapped Cavaliers are found in her aunt’s kennel.
Can Cat walk with the leash lovers long enough to catch a killer and save the dog show?
Amazon synopsis:
A feline-loving investigative reporter living in the dog-friendliest city in America, what can go wrong during dog show week when the quaint seaside town turns dog-eat-dog?
Cat Wright can almost handle dogs, but she finds the delicate balance bitterly disrupted when two opposing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels disappear and the mayor’s wife is murdered.
With her aunt heading the list of suspects due to the town’s cutthroat rivalry, Cat determines she must dig up enough evidence to prove her innocence. But, as the facts stack up against them, she’s plagued with a new problem—the dognapped Cavaliers are found in her aunt’s kennel.
Can Cat walk with the leash lovers long enough to catch a killer and save the dog show?
November 16, 2022
A brilliant, delightful canine saga!!
This is one book that makes the reader feel lively, merry, joyful with an incredible, heightened zest for life! That is exactly what happened to me as I read this unbelievably adventurous book, getting lost in the magical town of Barkview!
Reading about Cat (Catalina) Wright gradually embrace her doggy essence and ilk, look after the disguised champion while creating a strong bond with Penny/Renny was an experience of a lifetime for a dog aficionado like myself! The wonderful process of human-canine bonding is illustrated in an exemplary manner in this book.
This is the first book by C.B.Wilson that I came across and enjoyed thoroughly! Thank you very much, C.B. I intend moving on to the next book!!
This is one book that makes the reader feel lively, merry, joyful with an incredible, heightened zest for life! That is exactly what happened to me as I read this unbelievably adventurous book, getting lost in the magical town of Barkview!
Reading about Cat (Catalina) Wright gradually embrace her doggy essence and ilk, look after the disguised champion while creating a strong bond with Penny/Renny was an experience of a lifetime for a dog aficionado like myself! The wonderful process of human-canine bonding is illustrated in an exemplary manner in this book.
This is the first book by C.B.Wilson that I came across and enjoyed thoroughly! Thank you very much, C.B. I intend moving on to the next book!!
June 10, 2023
Having been bitten by a pit bull-Car Wright is not exactly a fan of dogs-she much prefers cats! So how come she is still living in the most dog friendly town anywhere? Her Aunt is the owner of a prize winning Cavalier who is possibly the most spoiled dog you have ever met. Of course there are several other dogs in that town who are equally as spoiled.
Two of those dogs go missing and one of the owners murdered. Cat's Aunt is the main suspect--but she did not fo it--Cat sets out to prove her innocence. Her Aunt comes up with a scheme to make sure her dog is not dognapped--Ingenious!!
Well that little Cavalier proves that even a dog show winner has heart and will protect with all her heart!!
This is definitely one of those clean cozies that you can't help but love!!
Two of those dogs go missing and one of the owners murdered. Cat's Aunt is the main suspect--but she did not fo it--Cat sets out to prove her innocence. Her Aunt comes up with a scheme to make sure her dog is not dognapped--Ingenious!!
Well that little Cavalier proves that even a dog show winner has heart and will protect with all her heart!!
This is definitely one of those clean cozies that you can't help but love!!
September 2, 2024
Great puns, witty and fantastic word smithing. The story was very enjoyable and fun to read. The King Charles Cavalier is the real star of the show in this first-in-series of the Barkview cozy mysteries.
The setting is Barkview, California. It’s a fictional town near San Diego. Everything is dog related. It’s like the National Dog Show x Westminster Dog Show meets Agatha Christie.
CB Wilson had me laughing out loud. The protagonist is named Cat. She’s not a dog person despite living in a dog themed town. There is the Jack Pack - a running group of Jack Russell terrier enthusiasts who run with their JRTs.
The characters step off the page. Great back stories. I also learned more about the Cavalier Spaniel.
The audiobook narration is stellar.
The setting is Barkview, California. It’s a fictional town near San Diego. Everything is dog related. It’s like the National Dog Show x Westminster Dog Show meets Agatha Christie.
CB Wilson had me laughing out loud. The protagonist is named Cat. She’s not a dog person despite living in a dog themed town. There is the Jack Pack - a running group of Jack Russell terrier enthusiasts who run with their JRTs.
The characters step off the page. Great back stories. I also learned more about the Cavalier Spaniel.
The audiobook narration is stellar.
October 24, 2023
Cute Cavalier Cozy
This is the first book in this cute cozy series set in "Barkview;" a town crazy with and for "man's best friend." The story is about an upcoming dog show, and a murder. Cat, the main character, is true to her name...she is a cat-lover. After a bad, bitey experience, she can't even entertain having and loving a dog like most of the town does... until she has to dog-sit her aunt's disguised Cavalier.
The book has a great ending, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series. Recommended, whether or not you're "dog crazy."
This is the first book in this cute cozy series set in "Barkview;" a town crazy with and for "man's best friend." The story is about an upcoming dog show, and a murder. Cat, the main character, is true to her name...she is a cat-lover. After a bad, bitey experience, she can't even entertain having and loving a dog like most of the town does... until she has to dog-sit her aunt's disguised Cavalier.
The book has a great ending, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series. Recommended, whether or not you're "dog crazy."
May 8, 2022
As a cat and dog owner I really enjoyed reading this book. How much drama in ones life can cause so much pain and yet have a great ending. Cat really did not like dogs and yet could communicate with Renny in such a way that brought tears to my eyes. Seeing a pet in such pain can bring emotions out of you that you really did not know you possessed. Will be reading other books written by Miss Wilson. Keep it up.
May 22, 2022
Cavaliered to Death by C B Wilson is a cute little mystery about a dog town. The whole town is devoted to dogs. Except for Cat who is probably the only resident who is not a dog person. She ends up being the one to investigate the kidnaping of local show dogs and the murder of a local dog owner. I thought the book was a little slow and it failed to hold my attention at times. Overall, it was a cute story. Dog lovers would enjoy it. I received a free ARC from the author.
November 2, 2022
Can a feline lover survive in a dog crazy town? Cat’s an investigative reporter whose aunt owns a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeding business in the town of Barkview, where everything revolves around dogs! With a contest for the coveted Best In Show coming up, Cat gets involved when two of the prize winning cavaliers are kidnapped and her aunt is blamed. I actually read this book second after reading and enjoying another book in the series! A fun group of characters and I love the dogs!
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January 1, 2023This sounded like a perfect read for distraction when I am under the weather. The premise was promising. Unfortunately, 10 % was enough for me.
The writing style was rather clunky, and the characters and style were not my sort, e.g., being described as wearing Dior; the narrator drives a Jag SUV. Also, she takes her notes on post-it notes???? This book was written in 2021. Has she never heard of a smartphone? I suspect the author was trying to be clever, but she alienated me
The writing style was rather clunky, and the characters and style were not my sort, e.g., being described as wearing Dior; the narrator drives a Jag SUV. Also, she takes her notes on post-it notes???? This book was written in 2021. Has she never heard of a smartphone? I suspect the author was trying to be clever, but she alienated me
December 26, 2023
Renny
Lyndia comes looking for her missing Lady Mag her champion Cavalier King Charles, she accuses Char and Cat of stealing her dog. Renny lunges at Lyndia and comes up with a gun. The gun goes off, Lyndia is on the floor, she has a head wound but not from a gunshot and is taken to the hospital. Char tells Cat to leave before the police get there she needs to go find Lady Mag. They find Lady Mag's tracking collar but not the dog and blood on a garden gnome. Lyndia dies and another dog is taken. Cat has to put her sleuthing skills back to work. Good story and characters.
Lyndia comes looking for her missing Lady Mag her champion Cavalier King Charles, she accuses Char and Cat of stealing her dog. Renny lunges at Lyndia and comes up with a gun. The gun goes off, Lyndia is on the floor, she has a head wound but not from a gunshot and is taken to the hospital. Char tells Cat to leave before the police get there she needs to go find Lady Mag. They find Lady Mag's tracking collar but not the dog and blood on a garden gnome. Lyndia dies and another dog is taken. Cat has to put her sleuthing skills back to work. Good story and characters.
May 12, 2022
Cavaliered to Death was such a great mystery and having such cute dogs as the leads is truly adorable. A cozy mystery that involves pooches, sign me up!! Cat Wright is funny, caring, has a big heart, but is feisty at the same time. All the characters added a great feeling to the story. Totally worth the read if you like cozy mysteries, dogs, and lovable characters.
September 20, 2025
Barkview Mysteries
Cat investigates when a murder takes place in a fog show setting. There is the murder of another owner. Several suspects emerge meanwhile there is also the dog knapping of several Cavalier Spaniels. There is also revenge at the center of it all. I didn't see the murderer.
Cat investigates when a murder takes place in a fog show setting. There is the murder of another owner. Several suspects emerge meanwhile there is also the dog knapping of several Cavalier Spaniels. There is also revenge at the center of it all. I didn't see the murderer.
June 3, 2022
Cute Mystery
I loved this book about competitive dog shows and the lengths that people will go to win. Cat really has had a hard time of it so wad happy to watch her overcome her fears. Great story.
I loved this book about competitive dog shows and the lengths that people will go to win. Cat really has had a hard time of it so wad happy to watch her overcome her fears. Great story.
October 14, 2022
Interesting story
Cat is a woman, living in a town which is dog obsessed, but she doesn't like, or trust dogs. A mystery involving dog napping has Cat searching for the missing dogs. There are both, humour and drama, which kept up suspense.
Cat is a woman, living in a town which is dog obsessed, but she doesn't like, or trust dogs. A mystery involving dog napping has Cat searching for the missing dogs. There are both, humour and drama, which kept up suspense.
November 17, 2022
A delightful little surprise
I wasn’t sure if I’d get through this book, but each page slipped past, and before I knew it, The End appeared. There were quite a few good moments in the story.
I wasn’t sure if I’d get through this book, but each page slipped past, and before I knew it, The End appeared. There were quite a few good moments in the story.
June 25, 2023
completely believable
Great read, plausible villains and human heroes. As a dog lover, I found the plot intense; recommend to all lovers of mystery and those understand the connection between dogs and humans.
Great read, plausible villains and human heroes. As a dog lover, I found the plot intense; recommend to all lovers of mystery and those understand the connection between dogs and humans.
June 30, 2023
Great story
This was a great mystery story I loved it. It had great characters a great storyline and subject matter. I loved the action and the mystery kept me guessing until the end.
This was a great mystery story I loved it. It had great characters a great storyline and subject matter. I loved the action and the mystery kept me guessing until the end.
October 2, 2023
Surprise
Well this turned into a page turner for me! As I began I thought you not only have to be a dog lover (which I am) but obsessed but that turned out not necessarily to be true just a good fun read!
Well this turned into a page turner for me! As I began I thought you not only have to be a dog lover (which I am) but obsessed but that turned out not necessarily to be true just a good fun read!
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October 8, 2023"This book was a delightful escape into a world of rich storytelling. The story line was expertly crafted, and I found myself completely absorbed in the lives of the characters. I couldn't wait to see how it all unfolded. Truly a remarkable read!"
September 22, 2025
Fantastic
I loved the book's meandering style. It had so many stories within stories, but they all worked together. I had absolutely no clue for the "who dun it". I can't wait to read the next one.
I loved the book's meandering style. It had so many stories within stories, but they all worked together. I had absolutely no clue for the "who dun it". I can't wait to read the next one.
June 4, 2022
I loved Cat’s sense of humor. Also her loyalty to her Aunt Char and her belief that she was innocent. It looks like there is love in the air too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews