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Cozy Corgi #8

Wicked Wildlife

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Fall gives way to winter in the Colorado mountains, ushering in snow, pumpkin spice, the bugling of elk, and murder…Estes Park bustles with tourists and locals for its Halloween celebration, and Winifred Page and her corgi sidekick, Watson, are enjoying their favorite pastries as they greet trick-or-treaters outside the Cozy Corgi Bookstore and Bakery. But a chilling afterhours break-in at the charming bookshop leaves Fred and Watson shaken, especially with its connection to a recent poaching incident in the national park. By daybreak, on a cool morning walk through town, Fred discovers the body of one of the poachers…When Fred’s close friend, park ranger Leo Lopez, asks for her help in proving the innocence of a fellow ranger, Fred and Watson join the investigation. But with every uncovered clue hinting the police have the right person, Fred must uncover a mystery whose webs reach into the past and her experiences over the past year. Even amid the beauty of the snow covering the mountains and the twinkling lights of the beginning holiday season, Fred and Watson won’t make it to Thanksgiving without facing dangers and revelations that will change their lives.

Audio CD

First published October 13, 2018

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About the author

Mildred Abbott

56 books370 followers
Mildred Abbott writes twisty cozy mysteries filled with humorous and complex characters. Whether brimming with magic or simply an above average dose of curiosity, Mildred's amateur sleuths solve murders with the cutest sidekicks ever.

Fifteen years as a special education teacher and a lifetime of loving rescue dogs results in creating adventures with a ton of heart and the need for lint rollers.

Connect with Mildred Abbott’s Cozy Mysteries on Facebook to catch the latest release and find fellow addicts of books, coffee, and corgis.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MildredAbbot...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mildredabbott/

Email: mildredabbottauthor@gmail.com

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5 stars
618 (65%)
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241 (25%)
3 stars
69 (7%)
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10 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,711 reviews
October 15, 2018
4.5 Stars

Talk about unexpected twists and turns! Fred is hit with several shocking surprises in this newest addition to the Cozy Corgi series. None of the charm of the town of Estes Park has changed, with Fred and her close friends plus family, all present and accounted for. This time the murder has Leo asking for Fred’s sleuthing skills to clear his fellow Ranger of the murder of a poacher. In her search for information, we get to know a bit more about a few characters recently introduced in th last couple of volumes. Fred discovers there are far more sinister goings-on in the Park than she ever imagined and is confronted with serious danger.

The author has really stepped up the complexity with this story and seems to be building a new and intriguing framework for future mystery-solving for Fred. I was also left rather stunned by the direction one key character was turned to. I never could have predicted that. I’m a bit iffy over the ending because I’m not sure it really fit or completely suits the personality Fred’s been given. But I was thoroughly engrossed and extremely pleased with this exciting book.
Profile Image for Shawna Shaheen.
332 reviews23 followers
May 27, 2021
The 8th book of the series. Fred ( Winifred) and Katie (the baker of Cozy Corgi bookshop and bakery and Watson Fred corgi that the bookshop was named after owned) and Leo (a man that true to stop poachers. We're having a get together and suddenly they heard a gun off. All of them ran to find who did it and found a dead animal that they killed. So one night Fred fell asleep in her bookshop and 2 men were there breaking in. Fred and Watson was being quite. They were brothers she heard and they were the ones that killed the animal and they knew a Sid and Eddie in book 1. So she got all her friends to investigate them. Then Alethena( a friend of Paulie a pet shop owner that had 2 corgis Flotsam and Jetsam and Fred friend) and Fred found one of the brother !as dead on street. There was a arrest but Leo said he had a gut feeling she was not the killer. She would not hurt a fly even a poaching, but clues all come down to her. This 8th book is a shocker. Love Watson sweet dog and all the characters are great. I would like meet them. A very must read series. But you will have to follow series 1through 8 and so on. Branson Fred ex boyfriend has very dark secrets
Profile Image for Nola Arganbright.
1,592 reviews32 followers
July 11, 2019
Dog lovers unite

This book of the series tugged at my heart strings and I did have to wipe a few tears. There was a lot of action and suspense and broken hearts were numerous.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews54 followers
October 13, 2018
Terrific - didn't see this coming!

What a terrific plot - left me completely gobsmacked! Wow! Never in a million years would I have guessed this.
Poaching was happening with more regularity and when Leo and Watson chase after some poachers, she begins to understand how vulnerable they are. Later after closing the shop, she settles down to catch her breath only to hear two men (who have been hiding in the store) come out and brag about the poaching whilst they robbed her till. When one turns up dead and a new ranger is accused, she is asked to help. Can she uncover anything that would clear her? Where is Paulie's dog? He said he was with the vet but the vet denies it. Throw in the mob, drugs and mob hit men for a read that will leave you speechless. Terrific.
Profile Image for John.
449 reviews67 followers
October 14, 2018
Hmmm... that felt like a Buffy season finale.
Profile Image for Anna's Herding Cats.
1,274 reviews319 followers
December 22, 2018
Whoa! WHOA! Wicked Wildlife left my jaw hanging because whoa. Game changer.

The Gist: There's been a break in at the bookstore and somehow it's connected to the poachers who've been plaguing the state park. After one of them shows up dead and a park ranger accused Fred decides to take a closer look and gets way more than she bargained for.

Fred continues to be a great heroine. She's abrupt and can be a bit awkward socially sometimes but she's smart and caring and curious. I've enjoyed her and her grumpy corgi and all the ragtag group she's surrounded herself with over the past year.

The mystery. Well holy fucking hell. Break ins, poaching, murder. Everyone acting hinky. I wasn't really prepared for this one and still after finishing it I'm going...wait really?!! oh my hell. I'm with Fred. I didn't see it coming but looking back going yeah...okay I can see that. Args! I'm not sure what I think of the final outcome really.

All in all, Wicked Wildlife was a surprising read. Not in a bad way. It kept me glued to the pages, got my heart beat racing a few times as danger neared, had me tearing up, shocked, angry, sad at a loss all in turn. It was nicely done.
Profile Image for Deanie Nelder.
1,131 reviews24 followers
March 6, 2020
I'm not going to discuss the plot to this one, because I don't want to give away the epic plot twist in this book. Mildred Abbott has crafted another cute cozy mystery, with a surprise ending you kind of, but didn't really see coming. More character development for supporting characters Leo and Paulie is always welcome -- the Wildlife in the title hints at Park Ranger Leo being the hero in this story. Watson is his adorable corgi self, though he'd definitely take your ankles off if you threatened his mom. Another really great book in the Cozy Corgi series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,028 reviews12 followers
August 26, 2020
Woah woah woah woah woah!!

I have been enjoying this series very much and enjoyed this visit back to Estes Park.

Fred, Watson and the Scooby Gang are back on the case, hu ting murderers, solving crimes.

I love the family that Fred has created for herself, and adore how they have each others back.

Then, all of a sudden - Wtf just happened?

Something happened that is a complete game changer. I am shooketh! I was completely blindsided by events.

And now I need to know that that is not how things are going to be from now on.

Thank goodness I can move straight onto the next book
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,938 reviews29 followers
June 6, 2022
I KNEW ITTTTTT!!! The signs were all there, Watson hated him! He was a jerk! Designer clothes! Flashy dinner! Yep, knew I didn’t like Branson for a reason. In this mystery the poaching case comes to a head (ish) there’s murder upon murder, break-in, Leo asks Fred for help to clear a fellow ranger, who’s a bit of a zealot, and Pauly is in a pickle.

In the end I wanted Branson to get his comeuppance and I’m hoping that happens in a future book (yeah still don’t like him). This book was a bit darker than the previous book but was a fun, fast paced, exciting read.
Profile Image for Renee.
312 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2020
Definitely a 4.5 on this one. Twists and turns and character changes that left you wanting to read every last sentence. The series is developing into one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Only to be topped by Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy series.
Profile Image for Molli B..
1,533 reviews62 followers
November 7, 2018
Fun!! I'm staring to think Brandon Witt is just as versatile as TJ Klune, even if they show it in different ways.

Watson is ADORBS, Fred is living my best life*, the townspeople are about a 7 on the annoying scale (1-10), the mystery was interesting enough, there's an overarching storyline that seems like a good one, and I wasn't too lost despite jumping into the series on book 8! So. :)

Definitely your relatively standard cozy, but aren't they all kind of standard? That's sort of the point, I think.

I'll definitely read more! Just gotta decide where I should start—and remind myself that even though I spoiled a MAJOR THING by reading this one first, the others will still be fun. :)

*except I'd be drinking iced espressos instead of dirty chais.
414 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2018
Wicked wildlife

The series is such a fun read and the mysteries are opening up more secrets in the little town of Estes Park. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
30 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2018
Excellent mysteries

I love the story line, but most of all I loved the detailed description s of the scenery and the characters in the story.
11 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2018
There are two things that really appeal to me -- cozy mysteries and corgis. Mildred Abbott's Cozy Corgi Mysteries offers up both! Winifed Page, "Fred" to her friends, and her grumpy, treat-obsessed corgi, Watson make a perfect team. Set in Estes Park, CO, "Wicked Wildlife" involves the murder of a poacher, who, along with his brother, breaks into Fred's bookstore. When a park ranger who works with Fred's friend, Leo, is accused, Leo asks amateur sleuth Fred to investigate. The author has created an enjoyable series with interesting and diverse characters. This book explains some of the ongoing puzzles in the previous books and takes the reader through many twists and turns to reach a tough, but satisfying conclusion. Whether you are a corgi fan or not, you will become a fan of the series.
Profile Image for Erica Chaillot.
745 reviews18 followers
November 4, 2018
The best book of the series so far. This book provided a lot of answers to the questions that have been swirling throughout the series. It also did s nice job though of providing intrigue for it to continue. I love this series and her characters so much. I hope Mildred continues writing it for many years to come!!
Profile Image for gary c lehn.
1,724 reviews7 followers
November 4, 2018
Great series..........

I'm a Hugh fan of Wassons, I'm also a fan of the characters who make up the Cozy Corgi Mysteries group. The author does a wonderful job of keeping me in the dark till the end, something I enjoy. Thank You......
Profile Image for Donna Martin.
51 reviews
November 2, 2018
Fred and Watson are at it again

I believe this is the best book yet. There are some unexpected surprises along with all the characters we love. And of course, Katie's baking makes me hungry. Love the recipe at the end.
50 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2018
Surpise

Already luv luv luv this series. Strong characters, interesting story line. This one had an ending I just did not see coming, you'll have to read it for yourself, more fun that way
105 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2018
Love these books

They are fun reads. .Mystery and suspense a touch of humor without all that are sex as so many writer's feel is the only way to sell their book. Enjoy
Profile Image for Sara.
34 reviews11 followers
November 1, 2018
Wow. Where to begin on this book? I loved it. It’s amazing how all the pieces from the previous book finally came together in way I didn’t expect at all. I’ve loved this series from the beginning but this is easily the best book in all of them. I can’t wait to see where the story goes.
4 reviews
October 28, 2018
As a born bookworm, I am always looking for new authors (new to me, anyway) and new books to enjoy, especially in the cozy mystery genre, I confess to being addicted to the genre, and now to the Cozy Corgi Mysteries. Each one is a delightful read and this one did not disappoint.

Quite a few loose ends were tied up for me in Wicked Wildlife, suspicions that I hoped would be proven false were, sadly, verified. However, as with anything in life, as one door closes. another opens to fresh, new possibilities. How delicious!
Speaking of delicious, Katie's recipes are out of this world scrumptious!!!

I am so happy that there will be a Book 9 - and I am already looking forward to it!
Profile Image for Victoria Smiser.
83 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2018
I confess, I have become addicted to the Cozy Corgi Mysteries. Each one is a step into a charming town with uniquely engaging residents.
Thrilled to read the newest as autumn arrives in Estes Park with the golden leaves falling, the Elk’s Bugling cries, and Fred’s two closest friends Katie and Leo and of course her sidekick Watson, enjoying a final picnic as the smell of snow hovers. Halloween is celebrated by locals and tourists enjoying seasonal treats from the store owners who have placed tables outside each of their shops. Katie of course has outdone herself offering freshly made savory bruschetta and mozzarella pizza balls from the Cozy Corgi Bakery.
Unfortunately, this picturesque world is abruptly shattered by poaching of a bighorn sheep just yards from the friends’ picnic site, attempted burglary of the book shop and with Fred and Athena Rose from the Chipmunk Chronicles finding a dead body by the town’s bronze ram family statue.
When a fellow park ranger, fiercely opposed to poaching is arrested for the murder of the suspected poacher, Leo comes to Fred asking for her expertise. Fred, Katie, and Leo begin strategizing. Undaunted by police Chief Briggs calling her friends her ‘Scooby Gang’ and mocked and ridiculed for her own record in solving the town’s murders, Fred tries to tie together unanswered questions and odd behaviors. Even a personal visit from Detective Branson warning Fred to back away from this arrest, leaves Fred more confused and more determined to find the truth.
WICKED WILDLIFE is a story which grabs the reader from page one and refuses to let go. So many ideas are in the air with twists and new questions, Fred’s loyalty to her friends will make her act without her usual caution. With every chapter the reader becomes warier because there are simply no clear cut leads this time. Great, great read, now I am off to roast garlic for Katie’s bread recipe. I need carbs to do a re-read!!!!
Profile Image for Nina Derr.
309 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2018
I love every book in this series but Wicked Wildlife is by far my favorite. A lot is going on and the end results are very surprising. You learn all new things about some characters and it just makes the book better and better.
209 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2018
Wicked Wildlife

What a stunner!! This episode starts on Halloween. After a busy downtown trick-or-treat, Fred decides to stay late, reading in her favorite place in the store. She falls asleep only to be awakened by burglars who had hidden in her basement and were now robbing her because they couldn't find a hidden stash of pot from the previous tenant of the store. Things go from bad to worse from that moment forward. One of the burglars shows up dead the next morning and the new park ranger is arrested for the murder.
But a lot of questions are answered: why does Chief Briggs hate Fred so much? Where does Branson go when he has unexplained absences? Are Leo and Katie more than "just friends"? Was anyone in Estes involved in the death of Fred's dad?
Those answers and more await readers of the series. Enjoy!!!
25 reviews
October 25, 2018
Another fabulous mystery featuring great characters!

I’ve read all the other books in this series and with each book, my affection for the characters in the book grow! These whodunnits are fun, scary, heartfelt and have you staying up way too late to finish.
Having my own grumpy corgi makes it even more fun. Maybe Watson needs a grumpy girl corgi companion....just a thought! I’d recommend all the Cozy Corgi books. This one will really have you turning the page to see what happens next! Waiting anxiously for the next installment in the series.
Profile Image for Grammy 1.
805 reviews18 followers
October 14, 2018
5 ****Stars
Book: Wicked Wildlife
Series: Cozy Corgi Mystery #8
Author: Mildred Abbott
Publisher: Amazon Digital
Genre: Mystery
Rated: Mature
Pages: 217
Release date: October 13, 2018

Each book that I read in Midred Abbott’s series seems to say ‘this is one of the best of the series’! So I will not do that any longer. I will though preface this review by saying “This #8 is the Best of the series. !!

From the onset of this series Ms. Abbott has introduced a picturesqeue northwest town Estes Park, having back rounding mountains and a beautiful national park. We met Winifred Page moving there to be closer to her family. Fred brought her dog a corgi Watson; opening the local book store the Cozy Corgi. In addition it gave us another character and a wonderful baker Fred’s new friend and partner Katie.

More players have been introduced and after eight books we feel we live in Estes Park as well. Fred’s claim to fame is being the town sleuth. She has solved more crimes than the local police. Enter Branson the handsome officer in the sheriff’s department.

This story goes back to the National Park and the animal poaching that Ranger Leo Lopez has echoed for a long time. It is fall in the mountains, and snow is on its way, the holidays are a whisper away. Of course murder and poaching are foremost BUT in this telling, many things that this author has hinted at are also shockingly answered.
BOOK #8 IS THE BEST BOOK IN HE SERIES !
45 reviews
October 26, 2018
Better than good!!

I enjoyed the first story, but this one kept me reading into the night!! The characters were amazing- wasn't sure about the lead man for a while there! Thankfully it all worked out! I will keep reading her stories!
44 reviews
October 26, 2018
You could have knocked me over with a feather.

This was maybe the most exciting of the Cozy Corgi books. Relationships defined, betrayal, murder. I enjoyed it but it left me feeling sad.
155 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2018
I think Book 8 was the best one yet!

Oh my gosh this one was really exciting! With a great Didn't See That Coming moment! Actually there were several Didn't See That Coming moments. Really fun book. Can't wait for the next installment!
844 reviews
October 22, 2018
Best series

I didn't see it coming. All of the twists and turns had me guessing until the reveal at the end. I will read every book in this series, heck, every book by this author that I can find.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

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