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Barkview Mysteries #4
Doodled to Death
***First Place Winner, Readers Choice Awards***
***First Place Winner, BookFest Awards, Cozy Mystery Category***
***Finalist, Silver Falchion Award***
A CAT’S CRADLE OF CRIME, A DOODLE
TO DIE FOR, AND A GEM OF A COZY…
Two murders before lunch is a pretty bad day in anybody’s schedule, but when your sister’s a suspect, you just want to howl at the moon. Thankfully, that would hardly be noticeable in Barkview, the dog-friendliest town in America, where it’s starting to look as if humans are the endangered species.
Cat Wright (wrong name, wrong pet preference for Barkview) has barely had time to regret a good deed that just got punished when her younger sister Lani takes time out from performing mouth-to-mouth on an unconscious friend to give her an emergency call.
First murder first—Cat’s just learned she stirred up a dogfight when she nominated a distinguished female ancestor for the Aviation Hall of Fame. But here’s the rub—nominees have to be investigated and as a result, Barkview’s beloved hometown heroine now stands accused of the murder of a notorious rumrunner.
To add more intrigue, Cat’s ancestor’s also accused of stealing the Douglas Diamond, the fabled lost treasure of Barkview, to finance her flying adventures. That’s Page One news in this town and Cat feels terrible about accidentally tarnishing a hero’s legacy.
She’s just read the headline when she gets the call from Lani, who in short order is accused of killing Peter Gallardo, her friend and prof who, Cat’s starting to see, was probably Lani’s boy friend as well. And wouldn’t you know, Peter may have been one of many on a quest to find the famous gem.
A regular cat’s cradle of crime! But this is Barkview and so the co-star, as always in a Cat Wright mystery, is an irresistible pooch, in this case G-Paw, a fuzzy doofus of a golden doodle who’ll keep you laughing chapter after chapter—and who just about converts Cat to the canine side.
Add a few ancient diaries, plus Cat’s persistent investigative style, and soon author Wilson’s woven these seemingly disparate strands into a complex village puzzle mystery wrapped up (thanks mostly to G-Paw) in a comic confection inside a delicious contemporary cozy.
Fans of animal cozies will love the mix of humor and intricate plotting—and they’ll go nuts for G-Paw.
***First Place Winner, BookFest Awards, Cozy Mystery Category***
***Finalist, Silver Falchion Award***
A CAT’S CRADLE OF CRIME, A DOODLE
TO DIE FOR, AND A GEM OF A COZY…
Two murders before lunch is a pretty bad day in anybody’s schedule, but when your sister’s a suspect, you just want to howl at the moon. Thankfully, that would hardly be noticeable in Barkview, the dog-friendliest town in America, where it’s starting to look as if humans are the endangered species.
Cat Wright (wrong name, wrong pet preference for Barkview) has barely had time to regret a good deed that just got punished when her younger sister Lani takes time out from performing mouth-to-mouth on an unconscious friend to give her an emergency call.
First murder first—Cat’s just learned she stirred up a dogfight when she nominated a distinguished female ancestor for the Aviation Hall of Fame. But here’s the rub—nominees have to be investigated and as a result, Barkview’s beloved hometown heroine now stands accused of the murder of a notorious rumrunner.
To add more intrigue, Cat’s ancestor’s also accused of stealing the Douglas Diamond, the fabled lost treasure of Barkview, to finance her flying adventures. That’s Page One news in this town and Cat feels terrible about accidentally tarnishing a hero’s legacy.
She’s just read the headline when she gets the call from Lani, who in short order is accused of killing Peter Gallardo, her friend and prof who, Cat’s starting to see, was probably Lani’s boy friend as well. And wouldn’t you know, Peter may have been one of many on a quest to find the famous gem.
A regular cat’s cradle of crime! But this is Barkview and so the co-star, as always in a Cat Wright mystery, is an irresistible pooch, in this case G-Paw, a fuzzy doofus of a golden doodle who’ll keep you laughing chapter after chapter—and who just about converts Cat to the canine side.
Add a few ancient diaries, plus Cat’s persistent investigative style, and soon author Wilson’s woven these seemingly disparate strands into a complex village puzzle mystery wrapped up (thanks mostly to G-Paw) in a comic confection inside a delicious contemporary cozy.
Fans of animal cozies will love the mix of humor and intricate plotting—and they’ll go nuts for G-Paw.
208 pages, ebook
Published October 6, 2022
156 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
C.B. Wilson
14 books31 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 6, 2022
This was my first romp into Barkview, dubbed "the dog-friendliest town in America." But it won't be my last. Why? The book is the whole package—intriguing storyline, compelling mystery, lovely setting.
But mostly, it is the characters that will keep my coming back for more. I enjoyed getting to know Cat Wright, her fiancé Russ, her assistant Sandy, and the eccentric Madame Orr. And of course the star of the show—G-Paw. The author does such a fabulous job giving the dog "person"-ality while still maintaining his doggie nature. I just wanted to bury my hands in the fur and toss him a stick.
The mystery itself was well-plotted and kept me turning pages. At times, it felt a bit overly complicated, and I got lost once or twice. I also felt a bit as if I'd been dropped into an ongoing storyline, and I struggled a bit at the beginning to make sense of what was going on. I do wish I'd started the series at book #1. Also, I would have enjoyed seeing more of the sister, Lani. She was a main impetus for the investigation, but we didn't get to see much interaction between the sisters.
That said, I loved how a historical mystery tied in with a present-day murder. Such a nice twist. The book ends in a surprise—for this reader, at least—but one that makes perfect sense. It's the best kind of mystery.
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to cozy mystery lovers as well as dog lovers!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily provide this honest review.
But mostly, it is the characters that will keep my coming back for more. I enjoyed getting to know Cat Wright, her fiancé Russ, her assistant Sandy, and the eccentric Madame Orr. And of course the star of the show—G-Paw. The author does such a fabulous job giving the dog "person"-ality while still maintaining his doggie nature. I just wanted to bury my hands in the fur and toss him a stick.
The mystery itself was well-plotted and kept me turning pages. At times, it felt a bit overly complicated, and I got lost once or twice. I also felt a bit as if I'd been dropped into an ongoing storyline, and I struggled a bit at the beginning to make sense of what was going on. I do wish I'd started the series at book #1. Also, I would have enjoyed seeing more of the sister, Lani. She was a main impetus for the investigation, but we didn't get to see much interaction between the sisters.
That said, I loved how a historical mystery tied in with a present-day murder. Such a nice twist. The book ends in a surprise—for this reader, at least—but one that makes perfect sense. It's the best kind of mystery.
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to cozy mystery lovers as well as dog lovers!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily provide this honest review.
October 6, 2022
Cat Wright, a cat lover in a dog centric town, has decided to nominate her ancestor, Skye, for the National Aviation Hall of Fame, necessitating a background investigation. In the midst of her research, Cat’s little sister, Lani finds herself,accused of murder. Her biology professor, friend and perhaps more, fails to respond to her CPR efforts and Lani is taken into custody. Subsequently, Cat acquires the professor’s dog, G-paw, an exuberant, loyal and capricious golden doodle. Trying to clear her sister, Cat is caught up in the mystery surrounding the 1920’s smuggling operation, a disappearing seaplane and a missing diamond necklace, which may be just part of the legend. To complicate matters, a series of escalating earthquake aftershocks make underwater missions as well as those on land a shaky proposition. When the past and present collide, who will survive and will the truth finally be revealed? This series just keeps getting better and this is my favorite thus far. As a fellow cat lover, I find myself going to the dark side more and more with each book. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Barkview soon and putting this immensely entertaining cozy animal series at the top of your TBR list.
October 7, 2022
Go G-Paw!! What a cool name for such a smart golden doodle! Cat is such a fantastic character who never disappoints. Her humor is so funny and her antics to solve a murder fit perfectly with her personality. Although normally a cat person, she seems to have a knack for getting dogs to love her😁 This book is written so wonderfully and also includes a bit of historical information on the first female pilots. Like the others in the series, the story and murder mystery are well written and fit the book and characters. I love how Cat always has her post-it notes handy, but never a pen! She and Russ compliment each other so well. All the main characters have captured my heart and every pooch has made me smile with their antics. I am loving this series!
I received this book for free as an ARC and my review is my own!
I received this book for free as an ARC and my review is my own!
October 6, 2022
Doodled to Death quickly became my favorite book in the Barkview Mysteries series! It's well written, the pacing is great, and the characters are lovable - especially the dogs! I highly recommend Doodled to Death and can't wait for the next one! You won't be disappointed!
*I received the book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received the book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2022
Another great mystery for Cat to solve; two deaths and a missing diamond. Cat has her work cut out for her and another dog to foster.
October 28, 2022
The fourth book in the Barkview mystery series, Cat creates a ton of trouble by nominating Skye Barkley for the Aviator Hall of Fame. All nominations need to be investigated and when the investigation appears to label Skye as a murderer, Cat starts looking into things only to get a call that her sister, Lani, has been arrested for murdering her friend and professor. To really make things complicated, there is a million dollar reward for finding the lost Douglas Diamon! She temporarily inherits the prof’s dog, G-Paw, who adds a barrel of laughs to the story! He’s an intelligent but crazy golden doodle, and his antics will keep you laughing! I received a free copy of this book from the author through Hidden Gems and write this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2022
Another deadly mystery solved in Barkview by Cat.
C.B. Wilson brings together Cat Wright and a Golden Doodle, G-Paw, to help solve another death in the dog-loving oceanside town of Barkview. If you've read the previous books, you know there is the ongoing mystery of the diamond. This story delves further into that mystery and additional clues.
Wilson has a wonderful way of featuring a different dog breed in each of her books, and this story is no different.
Her easy writing style makes this book a quick and enjoyable read.
C.B. Wilson brings together Cat Wright and a Golden Doodle, G-Paw, to help solve another death in the dog-loving oceanside town of Barkview. If you've read the previous books, you know there is the ongoing mystery of the diamond. This story delves further into that mystery and additional clues.
Wilson has a wonderful way of featuring a different dog breed in each of her books, and this story is no different.
Her easy writing style makes this book a quick and enjoyable read.
October 14, 2022
Doodled to Death was a delightful cozy mystery read. It was my first time reading a book from the this series but I wasn't lost. Following Cat's search for the truth led us along a fun path of exploration and investigation. Her interaction with G-Paw was very entertaining. Lovable characters - both human and canine - made it a delight. I recommend it for entertaining, light reading. Note that I did receive a free copy and voluntarily left this review.
November 12, 2022
Cat and G-paw
The story covering two centuries, A dog, A murder, A very expensive necklace and pirates. Cat Gets involved because the sheriff arrests her Sister for the murder of the scuba diver in the bay. Since her sister is innocent, Cat begins to follows clues and nearly gets killed for her trouble. gross leads a merry chase with his undo fly antics and Cat has her convictions leading a merry chase thru diaries and underwater caves.
The story covering two centuries, A dog, A murder, A very expensive necklace and pirates. Cat Gets involved because the sheriff arrests her Sister for the murder of the scuba diver in the bay. Since her sister is innocent, Cat begins to follows clues and nearly gets killed for her trouble. gross leads a merry chase with his undo fly antics and Cat has her convictions leading a merry chase thru diaries and underwater caves.
November 13, 2022
You just can't help but love a Doodle with a mind of their own, particularly one who counter surfs, helps himself to the fridge and manages to open doors to get out to do his business. Add to all that he's also a great detective helping to solve the murder of his friend along with the help of a couple humans along the way. Fun story, great characters, very entertaining and I just love the dogs antics.
November 14, 2022
Entertaining
There isn't anything more enjoyable than reading a good mystery that has the involvement of a goofy dog. This book has both. A mystery from the past, a long ago lost necklace, a murder are all part of this adventurous story. Enjoy.
There isn't anything more enjoyable than reading a good mystery that has the involvement of a goofy dog. This book has both. A mystery from the past, a long ago lost necklace, a murder are all part of this adventurous story. Enjoy.
November 29, 2022
Good reading
I loved the small town of Barkview as well.as the characters human and canine involved in catching a murderer and setting an innocent woman free as well as solving a long time secret
I loved the small town of Barkview as well.as the characters human and canine involved in catching a murderer and setting an innocent woman free as well as solving a long time secret
December 22, 2022
Doodled to Death
A slow start as a long history was explained after the murder. This felt boring and I was well into the book when the real investigation started which was very good. I must admit all the dogs was a confusing distraction.
A slow start as a long history was explained after the murder. This felt boring and I was well into the book when the real investigation started which was very good. I must admit all the dogs was a confusing distraction.
July 23, 2023
book 4 was great
I like this series. Cat and Russ are searching for the diamond along with everyone else. But Cat is out to prove that her sister is not a murderer. Can’t wait for book 5
I like this series. Cat and Russ are searching for the diamond along with everyone else. But Cat is out to prove that her sister is not a murderer. Can’t wait for book 5
July 30, 2023
Great
Another great mystery in the dog living town to Cat and her family. I loved this twist on the 20s with the prohibition years and what people did to get their liquor. Great story.
Another great mystery in the dog living town to Cat and her family. I loved this twist on the 20s with the prohibition years and what people did to get their liquor. Great story.
April 12, 2025
Doodles to Death: Bark view Cozy mystery book 4
Fantastic characters, a very old family mystery and a whole lot of treachery. Cat now has a golden doodle to care for who is quite a handful.
Fantastic characters, a very old family mystery and a whole lot of treachery. Cat now has a golden doodle to care for who is quite a handful.
October 29, 2022
A dog, a missing diamond and murder
The search for a 100 year old missing diamond leads to murder and a possible location of the diamond. Will the diamond be found?
The search for a 100 year old missing diamond leads to murder and a possible location of the diamond. Will the diamond be found?
November 7, 2022
Doodled to Death by C.B. Wilson is the 4th book in the Barkview Mysteries Series and by far the best one yet. This book is an intriguing story, with a mystery for Cat to solve. It holds your interest and keeps you turning pages. The characters are fun and likable. The interaction between Cat and G-Paw really makes the characters come alive. Cat is a cat person rather than a dog person in a town that’s an all-dog town so it’s nice to see them bonding. What a delightful, entertaining, heartwarming, enjoyable book to read. A great addition to the series. I look forward to more. I received a free copy of this ebook from Hidden Gems.
November 9, 2022
I had a hard time getting into this book. I felt like the story started in the middle and I was lost from the start.
January 4, 2023
Barkview
A good story with a murder, a dog and a lost necklace. The rambunctious dog is the star. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
A good story with a murder, a dog and a lost necklace. The rambunctious dog is the star. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
January 10, 2024
Doodled to Death
I loved reading this wonderful story about G-Paw.
One of my favorites so far. I highly recommend reading each and every one of these awesome books...
I loved reading this wonderful story about G-Paw.
One of my favorites so far. I highly recommend reading each and every one of these awesome books...
Read
May 26, 2025Great! Just like the others. Now on to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews