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Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery #3
Home Tours, History & Homicide
Libby Ballard, director of the history museum in the small town of Dogwood Springs, Missouri, is thrilled to be organizing a tour of local historic homes to benefit the museum.
Plans for the event are well underway when Libby stops by to confirm details with one of the homeowners—and finds he’s been murdered.
Join Libby, her golden retriever, Bella, and their friends as they solve this mystery!
Home Tours, History & Homicide is part of the Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery Series. If you like a mystery with an animal who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a sweet small town, you’ll love this series!
A clean cozy mystery with a hint of romance.
Plans for the event are well underway when Libby stops by to confirm details with one of the homeowners—and finds he’s been murdered.
Join Libby, her golden retriever, Bella, and their friends as they solve this mystery!
Home Tours, History & Homicide is part of the Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery Series. If you like a mystery with an animal who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a sweet small town, you’ll love this series!
A clean cozy mystery with a hint of romance.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2023
383 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Sally Bayless
26 books96 followersSally Bayless writes cozy mysteries and sweet romance.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks, and when not working on her next book, she enjoys shopping for cute shoes, swimming, watching BBC television with her husband, and—of course—reading! She has two grown children.
For updates on her writing and a free mystery, sign up for her newsletter by visiting sallybayless.com.
She lives in the Missouri Ozarks, and when not working on her next book, she enjoys shopping for cute shoes, swimming, watching BBC television with her husband, and—of course—reading! She has two grown children.
For updates on her writing and a free mystery, sign up for her newsletter by visiting sallybayless.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 25, 2023
This was another great story in the Dogwood Spring’s series! Libby, Cleo, Alex, and Zeke did it again! They solved the case, and I definitely didn’t. I never know who does it, but it’s still fun for me to read! I like how these are quick, cozy mysteries. I highly recommend. It’s a perfect weekend read!
* I received an ARC and all opinions are my own.*
* I received an ARC and all opinions are my own.*
September 9, 2024
Kindle freebie at the time of download. All opinions in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
It's the end of the summer in Dogwood Springs, fall and Halloween are right around the corner. Libby is looking forward to a big donation to the museum so they can install elevator access to the second floor, expand the museum display area and bring in more money. A planned historic house tour of Dogwood Springs should bring in the necessary funds. Then Libby learns the museum needs a new HVAC system! There goes the elevator fund! Hopefully the historic house tour will go well and bring in the much-needed money. When Libby and Bella stop by one of the houses to go over details with the owner, Karl Wellston, he never answers the door. His wife, Gail, returns to find Karl's dead body on the floor with an empty box of chocolates! The coroner determines Karl didn't die from eating too many chocolates, he was murdered! Someone injected crushed up sleeping pills into a box of Karl's favorite caramel truffles and the detective is certain that person was Gail. Gail is beside herself and asks Libby to find out who really killed her husband. It's not an easy task as Karl was not well liked. Can Libby solve the murder before the house tour? Meanwhile, Libby and Sam are growing closer over the search for the girl in the painting and her parents are coming for a visit. Chloe is eager to celebrate Halloween but the real life mystery could bring horror upon their house if Libby doesn't quit investigating!
This one is better than the previous mystery. The museum administration sounds more accurate.
The mystery was OK. I didn't care who killed Karl. He was not a likable person. Once again Bella is the bestest, goodest girl ever! I preferred the search for Ivy much more than the main mystery. That, too, sounded accurate and the way I would have done it.
Libby is very nice, too nice. She can't say no when someone asks her to investigate even though she's aware she was almost killed before. She should stick to solving historical mysteries because she never actually solves this one before the killer comes after her. Once again she needs Bella to tell her what's what. Libby is also too nice when it comes to her mother. Libby's mom means well but she is blunt and often says things that come out rude. After what she said to Sam, I would have been furious and we would have had a heated conversation about that! Libby and Sam are growing closer. He gets busy with extra work but he's learned better how to communicate and even though he doesn't have a spare moment, he does text her to let her know he's busy. They hit a little bump in their relationship but talk it out. Libby's mom, for better or worse, helped Libby figure out her feelings for Sam are becoming deeper and serious. He's a great guy and seems crazy about her too.
Chloe isn't in the story as much. She's mostly in the cozy part but she does help Libby talk to people and Libby's friends go along to interview suspects so Libby stays safe. Chloe is a good friend and a supportive aunt. Zeke is worried about his SATs but he's brilliant. Sadly his dad, Chloe's brother, doesn't see it and wants Zeke to go to a school where he can pledge the same fraternity. yeesh. Alice is lovely as always. She has regrets in life though and I think she should go to college now if she feels like she missed out. She's smart and not having a degree hasn't held her back but for the personal satisfaction, I think she should. She's an amazing baker, maybe a culinary arts program might suit her?
Karl Wellston was not a nice man. A family practice physician, his ego and attitude were more in line with someone of Sam's wealth! This guy was controlling in his own home, a terrible boss to his employees, lied, cheated, was too cheap to pay laborers for their work and no one except his wife seems to have liked him. Gail is sweet but it doesn't look good for her. She did know how nasty her husband was? Did she get tired of him trying to control her? Did she find out he was having affairs? She seems too meek and nice to be a murderer. Divorce would serve her better. She claims she loved Karl for all his faults and I believe her. She's freaking out because she thinks someone is trying to frame her for the crime. Someone very devious.
Gary and Monica Boyd both worked on Karl and Gail's house. Gary is a contractor and Monica an interior decorator. Gary is known to have a nasty temper and perhaps flew off the handle when Karl refused to pay him and declared Gary's work incompetent. She's a decorator and a strong woman. Perhaps she wanted revenge for Karl's treatment of her husband? Perhaps she had a more personal reason to want Karl dead? I don't trust their assistant, Freddie. He's too quick to share gossip and point out Gary's computer password. Something about Freddie feels off to me. I think he is in love with Monica and she was having an affair with Karl (or vice versa... Freddie may have loved Karl) and Freddie, feeling slighted, killed Karl? Monica is callous and cold. She and Karl deserved to be together because they had similar personalities.
Cheryl Nichols, a landscape planner, takes care of the plants both at Karl's office and his home. She's been redesigning the yard for him and once owned the house before the Wellstons. She has reason to hate Karl but why kill him now? The timing doesn't make sense. Marla, the housekeeper, is the next suspect. She's supposedly out of town visiting her new grandbaby but photos can be faked. Kiara Norton, co-owner of the Craftsman bungalow on the historic house tour, likes Gail and is eager to help Libby find the real killer. She knows an awful lot of gossip and has strong opinions. Can she be trusted?
In the practice, Dr. Roth is the youngest and newest physician. He's arrogant and rude too but he should have been paid fairly. He claims he has a job offer somewhere better. Is he skipping town after killing his boss? Amber Riley, a nurse, was seen running out of Karl's office crying. Hmm. I don't like the sound of that. It's not what I expected but still awful. I feel bad for Amber. Karl was a terrible boss. Did she kill him? She was seen going by his office a second time when she shouldn't have been there.
The killer is very clever and careful! Who was it?
I like this series but I'm more interested in the historical mystery. I downloaded the next book in the series and did a keyword search and got enough of an answer to satisfy my curiosity.
It's the end of the summer in Dogwood Springs, fall and Halloween are right around the corner. Libby is looking forward to a big donation to the museum so they can install elevator access to the second floor, expand the museum display area and bring in more money. A planned historic house tour of Dogwood Springs should bring in the necessary funds. Then Libby learns the museum needs a new HVAC system! There goes the elevator fund! Hopefully the historic house tour will go well and bring in the much-needed money. When Libby and Bella stop by one of the houses to go over details with the owner, Karl Wellston, he never answers the door. His wife, Gail, returns to find Karl's dead body on the floor with an empty box of chocolates! The coroner determines Karl didn't die from eating too many chocolates, he was murdered! Someone injected crushed up sleeping pills into a box of Karl's favorite caramel truffles and the detective is certain that person was Gail. Gail is beside herself and asks Libby to find out who really killed her husband. It's not an easy task as Karl was not well liked. Can Libby solve the murder before the house tour? Meanwhile, Libby and Sam are growing closer over the search for the girl in the painting and her parents are coming for a visit. Chloe is eager to celebrate Halloween but the real life mystery could bring horror upon their house if Libby doesn't quit investigating!
This one is better than the previous mystery. The museum administration sounds more accurate.
The mystery was OK. I didn't care who killed Karl. He was not a likable person. Once again Bella is the bestest, goodest girl ever! I preferred the search for Ivy much more than the main mystery. That, too, sounded accurate and the way I would have done it.
Libby is very nice, too nice. She can't say no when someone asks her to investigate even though she's aware she was almost killed before. She should stick to solving historical mysteries because she never actually solves this one before the killer comes after her. Once again she needs Bella to tell her what's what. Libby is also too nice when it comes to her mother. Libby's mom means well but she is blunt and often says things that come out rude. After what she said to Sam, I would have been furious and we would have had a heated conversation about that! Libby and Sam are growing closer. He gets busy with extra work but he's learned better how to communicate and even though he doesn't have a spare moment, he does text her to let her know he's busy. They hit a little bump in their relationship but talk it out. Libby's mom, for better or worse, helped Libby figure out her feelings for Sam are becoming deeper and serious. He's a great guy and seems crazy about her too.
Chloe isn't in the story as much. She's mostly in the cozy part but she does help Libby talk to people and Libby's friends go along to interview suspects so Libby stays safe. Chloe is a good friend and a supportive aunt. Zeke is worried about his SATs but he's brilliant. Sadly his dad, Chloe's brother, doesn't see it and wants Zeke to go to a school where he can pledge the same fraternity. yeesh. Alice is lovely as always. She has regrets in life though and I think she should go to college now if she feels like she missed out. She's smart and not having a degree hasn't held her back but for the personal satisfaction, I think she should. She's an amazing baker, maybe a culinary arts program might suit her?
Karl Wellston was not a nice man. A family practice physician, his ego and attitude were more in line with someone of Sam's wealth! This guy was controlling in his own home, a terrible boss to his employees, lied, cheated, was too cheap to pay laborers for their work and no one except his wife seems to have liked him. Gail is sweet but it doesn't look good for her. She did know how nasty her husband was? Did she get tired of him trying to control her? Did she find out he was having affairs? She seems too meek and nice to be a murderer. Divorce would serve her better. She claims she loved Karl for all his faults and I believe her. She's freaking out because she thinks someone is trying to frame her for the crime. Someone very devious.
Gary and Monica Boyd both worked on Karl and Gail's house. Gary is a contractor and Monica an interior decorator. Gary is known to have a nasty temper and perhaps flew off the handle when Karl refused to pay him and declared Gary's work incompetent. She's a decorator and a strong woman. Perhaps she wanted revenge for Karl's treatment of her husband? Perhaps she had a more personal reason to want Karl dead? I don't trust their assistant, Freddie. He's too quick to share gossip and point out Gary's computer password. Something about Freddie feels off to me. I think he is in love with Monica and she was having an affair with Karl (or vice versa... Freddie may have loved Karl) and Freddie, feeling slighted, killed Karl? Monica is callous and cold. She and Karl deserved to be together because they had similar personalities.
Cheryl Nichols, a landscape planner, takes care of the plants both at Karl's office and his home. She's been redesigning the yard for him and once owned the house before the Wellstons. She has reason to hate Karl but why kill him now? The timing doesn't make sense. Marla, the housekeeper, is the next suspect. She's supposedly out of town visiting her new grandbaby but photos can be faked. Kiara Norton, co-owner of the Craftsman bungalow on the historic house tour, likes Gail and is eager to help Libby find the real killer. She knows an awful lot of gossip and has strong opinions. Can she be trusted?
In the practice, Dr. Roth is the youngest and newest physician. He's arrogant and rude too but he should have been paid fairly. He claims he has a job offer somewhere better. Is he skipping town after killing his boss? Amber Riley, a nurse, was seen running out of Karl's office crying. Hmm. I don't like the sound of that. It's not what I expected but still awful. I feel bad for Amber. Karl was a terrible boss. Did she kill him? She was seen going by his office a second time when she shouldn't have been there.
The killer is very clever and careful! Who was it?
I like this series but I'm more interested in the historical mystery. I downloaded the next book in the series and did a keyword search and got enough of an answer to satisfy my curiosity.
May 7, 2024
I truly cannot stop thinking of these characters and this lovely and wholesome small town! (excluding the murders, of course lol)
The friendship in this world is so precious. I love the team that Libby has found. Also, Bella? Best dog, hands down. The romance is also really sweet and I can’t wait to see it continue to grow.
I am so sad that I will be caught up with this series soon. However, it just makes me look forward to December and next May more!
Highly recommend checking this cozy mystery series out. 🩵
The friendship in this world is so precious. I love the team that Libby has found. Also, Bella? Best dog, hands down. The romance is also really sweet and I can’t wait to see it continue to grow.
I am so sad that I will be caught up with this series soon. However, it just makes me look forward to December and next May more!
Highly recommend checking this cozy mystery series out. 🩵
January 27, 2025
I really liked this mystery. I don't usually start a series in the middle, but I was given this book free by the author, so I decided to give it a try. I enjoyed the characters especially they have a maturity about them that is refreshing to read about. Plus, I love that Libby isn't solving the mysteries alone she has a whole team she works with to help her solve her cases. The mystery itself was interesting, and I was kept guessing for the most part. Plus, I found Libby's job working at a museum to be fascinating. All in all, a good read and I hope to read more in the series.
September 7, 2024
Super cute cozy mystery! Perfect Halloween/ Fall read, will definitely recommend to friends!
February 11, 2023
What a fun and fabulous book in this young series that keeps getting better with each book. This is a story jam packed with life, details, and mysteries. From murder to artifact identification, there are so many mysteries to solve. Fortunately Libby, Cleo, Alice, Zeke, and Sam are working together for solutions.
As Libby and the museum staff are working hard on an upcoming home tour, hoping to raise enough funds to begin plans for installing an elevator, the funds are suddenly diverted to a building emergency. The HAVAC system from top to bottom has to be replaced STAT! There goes the elevator fund. Museum workers are redoubling efforts to make the tour a financial success when Libby discovers one homeowner is dead. Amidst planning for the house tours, Halloween, and daily routine, Libby and cohorts are forced to find a murderer or the home tour will have to be cancelled.
I love the characters in this series, and envy Libby having such a terrific job. The author does a fantastic job of creating a realistic setting and details for this series. The shift between museum and personal lives is smooth, usually bridged by the sweet and smart dog, Bella. I love how Libby works out all the aspects of her life with planning ahead and seaming ease. Work, friends, family, daily life, murder, mysteries, and even taking care of Bella are effortlessly included in the storyline.
I also enjoy how the author never looses focus of the museum, helping the readers understand all Libby's job entails. I appreciate the authenticity when discussing artifacts, fund raising, long range goals, grants, structure of the museum leadership, and more. I suspect we have a real life "Libby" behind the pen!
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with fresh ideas, terrific characters, multiple mysteries, and accurate details, you have found the best series there is. Enjoy it from the prequel on, each book better than the last. I'm hooked and ready for what is yet to come!
Opinions expressed are entirely my own...but I'm confident you'll agree!
As Libby and the museum staff are working hard on an upcoming home tour, hoping to raise enough funds to begin plans for installing an elevator, the funds are suddenly diverted to a building emergency. The HAVAC system from top to bottom has to be replaced STAT! There goes the elevator fund. Museum workers are redoubling efforts to make the tour a financial success when Libby discovers one homeowner is dead. Amidst planning for the house tours, Halloween, and daily routine, Libby and cohorts are forced to find a murderer or the home tour will have to be cancelled.
I love the characters in this series, and envy Libby having such a terrific job. The author does a fantastic job of creating a realistic setting and details for this series. The shift between museum and personal lives is smooth, usually bridged by the sweet and smart dog, Bella. I love how Libby works out all the aspects of her life with planning ahead and seaming ease. Work, friends, family, daily life, murder, mysteries, and even taking care of Bella are effortlessly included in the storyline.
I also enjoy how the author never looses focus of the museum, helping the readers understand all Libby's job entails. I appreciate the authenticity when discussing artifacts, fund raising, long range goals, grants, structure of the museum leadership, and more. I suspect we have a real life "Libby" behind the pen!
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with fresh ideas, terrific characters, multiple mysteries, and accurate details, you have found the best series there is. Enjoy it from the prequel on, each book better than the last. I'm hooked and ready for what is yet to come!
Opinions expressed are entirely my own...but I'm confident you'll agree!
September 24, 2024
This is the second Dogwood Springs murder mystery I have read.
Once again, Libby is confronted by a major disruption to her plans, with the discovery of a murdered man. He was the owner of one of the homes listed on her historical homes tour due to be held shortly. She is endeavouring to raise funds to install a new heating system and an elevator at the local museum where she works. If the murder mystery is not solved rapidly, her tour will have to be cancelled.
She sets out to discover the killer with the assistance of her friends and local residents, because she does not think the local police, who suspect the victim’s wife, are investigating the murder thoroughly enough.
After many twists and turns, Libby, and her friends, ably assisted by Bella, Libby’s adorable dog, manage to solve the mystery, so that the tour can continue.
There is a budding romance with Libby’s boyfriend, Sam, appearing now and then, and all the colourful characters are well drawn.
It was an easy, but compelling read, because the murderer remains a mystery right up to the conclusion.
Once again, Libby is confronted by a major disruption to her plans, with the discovery of a murdered man. He was the owner of one of the homes listed on her historical homes tour due to be held shortly. She is endeavouring to raise funds to install a new heating system and an elevator at the local museum where she works. If the murder mystery is not solved rapidly, her tour will have to be cancelled.
She sets out to discover the killer with the assistance of her friends and local residents, because she does not think the local police, who suspect the victim’s wife, are investigating the murder thoroughly enough.
After many twists and turns, Libby, and her friends, ably assisted by Bella, Libby’s adorable dog, manage to solve the mystery, so that the tour can continue.
There is a budding romance with Libby’s boyfriend, Sam, appearing now and then, and all the colourful characters are well drawn.
It was an easy, but compelling read, because the murderer remains a mystery right up to the conclusion.
April 28, 2023
Another fun whodunit in the Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery series. Libby is organizing an historic home tour fundraiser for the Dogwood Springs Museum, but the event may not be able to go on as planned. When Libby stops at one of the houses that will be part of the tour, she finds the owner dead. If the murderer isn’t found before the scheduled tour date, it may have to be cancelled for the safety of the community. To ensure the murder is solved, Libby and her close friends Cleo, Alice, Zeke, and Sam, set out to find the guilty culprit. When another body is found, they’re even more determined. But can they do it before anyone else is murdered?
There are plenty of suspects, secrets are revealed, and Bella helps solve the crimes. Libby and Sam are still working on solving the mystery behind a painting Sam has.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There are plenty of suspects, secrets are revealed, and Bella helps solve the crimes. Libby and Sam are still working on solving the mystery behind a painting Sam has.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2023
What a fun read! This was an engaging cozy mystery. Libby Ballard, director of the Dogwood Springs Museum, is preparing for an upcoming tour of historical houses in the town. Included in the featured houses is the house of Dr. Karl and Mrs. Wellston. When Dr. Wellston is murdered by poison, Libby decides to investigate his death, along with some of her friends and her new boyfriend, Sam. It turns out that there were many suspects as Dr. Wellston had many enemies at both his workplace and in his personal life. Who did the deed and why? Will Libby and the gang be able to solve the crime? Find out the answers to these questions by reading this intriguing book. I highly recommend it to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
April 12, 2023
Libby and her golden retriever Bella are living in Dogwood Springs where Libby is director of the Historical Museum. Libby has managed to help solve two previous murders in town with her team of amateur sleuths, so when another murder occurs, she is back on the job. This is such a delightful group of sleuths, from Zeke, a great problem solving teen, to Alice the Museum Board President, to Sam Libby’s boyfriend, and including Cleo her upstairs neighbor and good friend (who coincidentally knows everyone in town and their history!). A fun read with a plot that really moves along! I have been enjoying this author’s books for a while, received a free ARC of this book from her and write this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2023
I've really been enjoying this series and how Libby and her friends always get together to talk about their latest case. And Sam's nice enough to realize Libby never purposely did anything to make a killer mad so he hasn't gotten on her for that. He just worries and acts sweet, lol. I love the two of them together! Kinda refreshing that the main character has a guy when it's usually the sidekick who has a guy or gets married first. Although poor Cleo could use a guy--she seemed sad about one she shouldn't've let get away.
Despite the murder, I hoped they could figure things out in time for the home tour to continue, and these characters didn't disappoint. And sweet Bella sniffed out clues again, she's such a good dog! Can't wait to see what the next adventure's gonna be!
Despite the murder, I hoped they could figure things out in time for the home tour to continue, and these characters didn't disappoint. And sweet Bella sniffed out clues again, she's such a good dog! Can't wait to see what the next adventure's gonna be!
September 26, 2023
Really lucky, again
Libby and friends are at it again. To raise funds for the museum, Libby plans a home tour of five historic homes. When one of the home owners is found dead by Libby and his wife, the wife becomes the prime suspect. Alice, a good friend of Libby's and of Gail, the accused wife, asks Libby to help solve the murder. As the investigation proceeds, one of Libby's suspects is found dead and she begins to realize that these deaths can impact her tour and the museum if left unsolved. With the help of her fellow amateur sleuths, they race against the clock to solve the murders. But in true Libby and Bella style, it isn't until Libby is face to face with the killer that she puts the clues together, with the help of Bella of course.
Libby and friends are at it again. To raise funds for the museum, Libby plans a home tour of five historic homes. When one of the home owners is found dead by Libby and his wife, the wife becomes the prime suspect. Alice, a good friend of Libby's and of Gail, the accused wife, asks Libby to help solve the murder. As the investigation proceeds, one of Libby's suspects is found dead and she begins to realize that these deaths can impact her tour and the museum if left unsolved. With the help of her fellow amateur sleuths, they race against the clock to solve the murders. But in true Libby and Bella style, it isn't until Libby is face to face with the killer that she puts the clues together, with the help of Bella of course.
April 22, 2023
Libby has completely settled into both her job at the Dogwood Springs History Museum and her new life in Dogwood Springs. Besides loving her job, she has a wonderful golden retriever, Bella, a fantastic group of friends and the beginning of a new relationship. She's also "helped" solve two previous murders which is why she's asked by a friend to investigate when murder, again, rocks their small town. This is a great series with an extremely likable protagonist, a fantastic cast of characters, and a quirky small town. I highly recommend. Happy Reading!
* I received an ARC from the author but this review is my honest opinion.
* I received an ARC from the author but this review is my honest opinion.
May 28, 2024
Good, quick cosy
The author presents the clues and give you the chance to guess who done it along with the team. It was a standalone but I could tell there had to be books prior to this one. I got it on a special giveaway and didn't realize it was the third book of the series. Despite being based in a museum, there is little history discussed, in ,awe that is not your thing. There is an.ongoing historical question from previous books. As a longtime seamstress, I guessed the mystery object from the description. I like the idea of it being a game they play as well as a game with the reader.
The author presents the clues and give you the chance to guess who done it along with the team. It was a standalone but I could tell there had to be books prior to this one. I got it on a special giveaway and didn't realize it was the third book of the series. Despite being based in a museum, there is little history discussed, in ,awe that is not your thing. There is an.ongoing historical question from previous books. As a longtime seamstress, I guessed the mystery object from the description. I like the idea of it being a game they play as well as a game with the reader.
April 24, 2025
It’s a cozy mystery so it really feels cozy, I think if it’s read when it’s autumn, it would be even better. That being said I haven’t read the previous books but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this one. Libby is a good character, the pace isn’t too fast nor too slow even though the book is pretty short. It’s on the middle, and I enjoyed the descriptions of food, places, so on. It kind of brought more of the cozy atmosphere. I don’t know yet if I’ll continue with the series, as in read the previous books and the next, but it’s a cute read I would say despite the murders in there. It’s still light and fun.
May 3, 2025
This captivating cozy mystery will transport readers to a charming small town brimming with endearing characters and a captivating puzzle. Perfect for those who relish the company of amateur sleuths, the unwavering loyalty of beloved pets, and the unfolding of light-hearted intrigue, this book offers a delightful escape. Without resorting to explicit content, the story weaves a compelling narrative that will keep readers guessing until the very last page. Immerse yourself in the cozy atmosphere and become engrossed in the amateur detective's journey to unravel the truth in this delightful tale.
September 3, 2025
Cozy mysteries how I love you. I got this during a stuff your kindle event, and didn’t realize until a bit of reading that it was the third in the series! Thankfully, this doesn’t really change the experience.
Bayless does an incredible job of setting a perfect fall mood, and I often found myself craving pumpkin pie, apple cider, and hosting friends giving. This was a fun and quick read, and my only gripe was the murderer reveal was a bit blindsiding, and things took a quick turn in an extremely unrealistic way. But cozy mysteries don’t prioritize realism. They prioritize the best small town, fall in the air, Halloween around the corner vibes.
Bayless does an incredible job of setting a perfect fall mood, and I often found myself craving pumpkin pie, apple cider, and hosting friends giving. This was a fun and quick read, and my only gripe was the murderer reveal was a bit blindsiding, and things took a quick turn in an extremely unrealistic way. But cozy mysteries don’t prioritize realism. They prioritize the best small town, fall in the air, Halloween around the corner vibes.
April 16, 2023
Another fun book that involves an amatuer detective team. The head librarian is trying to raise money by having a tour of historical homes of the town, but one homeowner is found murdered, Keep the scheduled tour, or cancel it with a murderer on the loose? And then there is another murder! A great whodunit with multiple possible guilty persons. And into the mix the continued research into the history of an old painting that was partially painted over.
This series is very entertaining and keeps getting better.
I was giving an ARC copy and this is my own review.
This series is very entertaining and keeps getting better.
I was giving an ARC copy and this is my own review.
April 19, 2023
Museum Cozy
Ms. Bayless' Dogwood Springs series is delightful. Museum director Libby, transplanted to this small town from Philadelphia has assimilated nicely to small town living and made close friends, including a boyfriend. He was a surprising plus, after her louse of an ex.
Libby also has a talent for uncovering murderers, aided by her friends. The tale has a few twists and turns and more than a few viable suspects. Well woven and fun to read.
I received an ARC gratis and offer my own opinion freely.
Ms. Bayless' Dogwood Springs series is delightful. Museum director Libby, transplanted to this small town from Philadelphia has assimilated nicely to small town living and made close friends, including a boyfriend. He was a surprising plus, after her louse of an ex.
Libby also has a talent for uncovering murderers, aided by her friends. The tale has a few twists and turns and more than a few viable suspects. Well woven and fun to read.
I received an ARC gratis and offer my own opinion freely.
April 20, 2023
Home Tours, History & Homicide is the latest installment in the Dogwood Springs cozy mystery series and it is another very enjoyable read. It has a little of everything - a homicide mystery to solve, the ongoing mystery of the painting, a little romance, friends, all the things.
If you haven't read any of the Dogwood Springs books, you won't be lost starting with this one but I do recommend starting at the beginning because they are so much fun to read.
I was given an advance copy and this review is my honest opinion.
If you haven't read any of the Dogwood Springs books, you won't be lost starting with this one but I do recommend starting at the beginning because they are so much fun to read.
I was given an advance copy and this review is my honest opinion.
April 20, 2023
Libby Ballard is planning a historic homes tour to raise capital funds for the Dogwood Springs Historical Museum. When she runs an errand to one of the houses on the planned tour route, she discovers the owner’s dead body. Kept me guessing as Libby and her friends ask questions and try to figure out the culprit while keeping themselves out of danger. A fun read with a likeable cast of characters and an interesting storyline. Great series, enjoyable mysteries! I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 20, 2023
Another winner in this series!
I love this series and each book gets better and better. Libby is the curator of the museum in Dogwood Springs , which might sound kind of boring but throw in a few murders and a family mystery that progresses through the series and is anything but boring! With the help of her colleagues, friends, and dog Bella, she keeps the museum on track and the bad guys in jail. Highly recommend the whole series (otherwise I wouldn’t have become an advance reader)!
I love this series and each book gets better and better. Libby is the curator of the museum in Dogwood Springs , which might sound kind of boring but throw in a few murders and a family mystery that progresses through the series and is anything but boring! With the help of her colleagues, friends, and dog Bella, she keeps the museum on track and the bad guys in jail. Highly recommend the whole series (otherwise I wouldn’t have become an advance reader)!
April 24, 2023
I love a visit to Dogwood Springs. It is like coming home and visiting with friends you haven't seen in a while. Well, except for a murder or two. Libby and her pals are once again on the trail of a murderer. With a good list of suspects, the intrepid group wiggle their way into lives to ferret out the clues of who, in their quaint town, could possibly be a murderer and why was it done. Such a great read. I highly recommend this series.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
April 20, 2023
I have never read anything by Sally Bayless before, OMG this was fantastic!! Libby and her dog Bella have only lived in Dogwood Springs for a few months; she is the Director of their history museum. Libby has helped solve two previous murders, so when a new murder happens she helps again with her friends. This is a cute cozy mystery, love the characters. Great plot, and interesting setting. I look forward to reading more from Sally Bayless!!
April 23, 2023
I enjoyed reading this cozy mystery. It kept my attention throughout, was well thought out, and was fun to read. It seemed like it bounced back and forth between possible suspects before finally settling on a not-so-obvious killer in the very end. A Fall setting, a hint of romance, killer candy, and, of course, Bella. I recommend this book!
I'm a member of the ARC team and have submitted an honest and voluntary review.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have submitted an honest and voluntary review.
June 7, 2024
This is the 3rd book in the series. The main character is Libby. Libby is a museum director and has been called on before to solve a murder. This time they are about to do a fund raiser for the museum with a tour of old houses. The murder occurs in one of the house and not only is the wrong person being blamed but it could cause them to cancel the tour. Can Libby and her friends figure this out in time?
May 10, 2025
small town mystery
I was looking forward to this book as the blurb said it was about a small town murder and a historian trying to figure out whodunnit aided by her dog.
Unfortunately it was a bit meh. It felt like a game of Cluedo gathering clues from house to house, making guesses only to get more info and then moving on to the next one. The end was a bit un-climatic.
The dog was there, but didn’t really play a role. At least not in the way advertised.
3 out of 5.
I was looking forward to this book as the blurb said it was about a small town murder and a historian trying to figure out whodunnit aided by her dog.
Unfortunately it was a bit meh. It felt like a game of Cluedo gathering clues from house to house, making guesses only to get more info and then moving on to the next one. The end was a bit un-climatic.
The dog was there, but didn’t really play a role. At least not in the way advertised.
3 out of 5.
April 11, 2023
Her books keep getting better and better! I love to follow Libby, the museum director's clues and the methods she uses to uncover the killer. Sally Bayless has created great characters, but I love Bella,the golden retriever, the best! If you sign up for the Dogwood Springs newsletter, you can read a hidden chapter from Bella's viewpoint!
April 17, 2023
Home Tours, History & Homicide is part of the Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery Series.
If you like a mystery with an animal who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a sweet small town, you’ll love this series!
This is an excellent book! I received this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
If you like a mystery with an animal who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a sweet small town, you’ll love this series!
This is an excellent book! I received this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
April 20, 2023
Superb mystery!
A superb mystery book! The characters were fun and the plot was fantastic. So many people that fell off and back on the suspect list. Impossible to identify the murderer in this book and the ending was definitely a surprise. Don't miss this book and other books by this author.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
A superb mystery book! The characters were fun and the plot was fantastic. So many people that fell off and back on the suspect list. Impossible to identify the murderer in this book and the ending was definitely a surprise. Don't miss this book and other books by this author.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
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