Dogged Deception

Mysteries of Aspen Falls #2

by Johnnie Alexander

It’s a beautiful October day in Aspen Falls, Colorado, and veterinarian Dr. Ashley Hart plans to go hiking with man’s best friend—her Dalmatian, Max—and her good pal, park ranger Cole Hawke... that is, until an unusual emergency call to treat a cow shot with an arrow delays them. Their day goes to the dogs, however, when an identical injury involving a sheriff ’s deputy K-9 combines with a surprise blizzard to derail their plans entirely. Now forced to wait out the snow at the lovely but isolated Evergreen Haven Lodge, Ashley and Cole are surrounded by strangers, all of whom are acting cagey about their ties to each other. Ashley doesn’t think much of it, though, until she investigates a suspicious noise in the night and makes a horrifying discovery: the dead body of Diana Corning, killed in the lodge kitchen. Unfortunately, Diana’s death isn’t the only cold-blooded crime committed at Evergreen Haven, and the victim tally is soon nearly as long as the list of suspects. Between murderous intentions, mounting tensions amid the guests, a maimed police dog, and a major storm that has them trapped with a killer, the stakes soon reach desperate heights. Ashley is resolved to collar the culprit despite being warned to mind her own business, but will her dogged determination lead to her own demise?

Genres: Mystery

206 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2022

About the author

Johnnie Alexander, author of over forty works of fiction, writes award-winning stories (and a couple bestsellers!) of enduring love and quiet courage. Her historical and contemporary novels weave together unforgettable romance, compelling characters, and a touch of mystery. Readers discover glimpses of grace and timeless truth in her stories.

She is both traditionally and indie-published; serves as board secretary for the Mosaic Collection LLC and faculty chair for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference; and is a member of the Word-Weavers Brevard (Florida) chapter.

A sometime hermit and occasional vagabond who most often kicks off her Skechers in Florida, Johnnie cherishes cozy family times and is a fan of classic movies, road trips, and quiet adventures. Her grands call her “The Shadow” and dutifully follow this unbreakable rule ~ only she is allowed to open a new bag of Classic Lay’s potato chips.

Reviews

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy getting these series, I found 4 of these and this was the first I read. Evergreen Haven Lodge was a good setting. As well as Vet. Ashley's Dalmatian Max, we meet Camper a Belgian Malinois from the sheriff's department. The mystery stretches back many years at Evergreen Haven and the solution is a surprise. Looking forward to starting "Bones to Pick" today

[Debra McEathron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a cute short cozy mystery. This murder takes place at a lodge in a blizzard in Colorado. Ashley and Cole started to go on a hike when Ashely gets an emergency call, that leads to a second emergency call. That call gets them stuck at the lodge and then strange things start happening.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many suspects

Oh, what a web of intrigue our main character lands in and is stuck with a whole host of characters. I was going back and forth on trying to decide who the murderer was until the end, which tells me this was a good book! Enjoy!

[Kristen Tarr · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want another fun, quick read with a dash of mystery… this one’s for you! Dr. Hart is always in the thick of it! From arrows to murder to the most unlikely outcome. Hang on for another crazy ride.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was surprisingly good. Had more surprises than I had expected.

[Amber]

Aftert reating a cow shot with an arrow, on her way home Dr. Hart finds herself and others detained at an Inn during a blizzard. As in the Book And Then There Were None, folks start drying.

[f_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly my favorite in the series, I just loved the Clue/Knives Out vibes. There were lots of funny moments intermixed with the peril, and ahh I just loved it.

[Victoria Marie Lees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dogged Deception by Johnnie Alexander is a great cozy in the vein of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Our amateur detective protagonist, veterinarian Ashley Hart, and her friend, park ranger Cole Hawke, are snowed in at Evergreen Haven Lodge, an isolated inn near Aspen Falls, Colorado.

Dr. Hart is called to the lodge as a chance blizzard hits the area in October. A police dog was hit by an arrow. Thus begins a plausible story of mystery and murder surrounding the occupants of the inn. Phone service is cut off. The storm knocks out the power. The characters are varied and fully fleshed out. Alexander keeps the reader guessing to the very end with red herrings and questions.

If you’re looking for a great cozy to snuggle up with by the fire, Dogged Deception by Johnnie Alexander is the mystery for you. Merry Christmas!