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Dickens & Christie #8
Candy Canes, Canines & Crime
The Cotswolds. Leta Parker is happy the holidays are here again. Looking forward to a little relaxation after a harrowing murder case, the fifty-something widow can’t wait to unwrap gifts with her beau. But the Yuletide cheer turns sour when her delightful doggo Dickens dashes out the door with a canine companion and doesn’t return. Distraught when none of her posted notices produces leads on the furry fugitives, Leta and the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency turn their sleuthing skills toward sniffing out pooches. But with the trail going as cold as the late-December air and dastardly dognappers at large, she fears the only thing in her stocking this year will be coal. Can Leta unravel the Christmas caper in time to make the season merry and bright? Candy Canes, Canines & Crimes is the entertaining eighth book in the Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like dedicated heroines, whip-smart seniors, and fabulously fun puzzles, then you’ll love Kathy Manos Penn’s splendid sleigh ride.
204 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2022
139 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Manos Penn
29 books178 followersKathy Manos Penn lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia with her husband and her four-legged office assistants. When she dreamed of retiring from corporate America, she envisioned indulging in her favorite pastimes—reading, traveling, and writing columns for her local paper. Taking her bucket list trip to England was a top priority.
A second career as an author was never part of the plan—until someone uttered the fateful words, “You should write a cozy mystery.”
Twelve books later, readers can’t get enough of the Dickens & Christie mystery series. Kathy adheres to the adage to write what you know and populates her mysteries with well-read, witty senior women, a loyal dog, and a sassy cat.
Her two four-legged office assistants inspire the personalities of Dickens & Christie. Why is Dickens a fiend for belly rubs? Because Kathy’s real-life dog is. The same goes for Christie’s finicky eating habits and penchant for lolling on top of the desk or in the file drawer. She gets it from the calico cat who rules the roost.
How does Kathy describe her life? “I’m living a dream I never knew I had.”
Book I in the series, Bells, Tails & Murder, won a 2020 Readers’ Favorite Gold Award, and Pets, Pens & Murder, Book VII, garnered a 2023 Georgia Author of the Year nomination.
A second career as an author was never part of the plan—until someone uttered the fateful words, “You should write a cozy mystery.”
Twelve books later, readers can’t get enough of the Dickens & Christie mystery series. Kathy adheres to the adage to write what you know and populates her mysteries with well-read, witty senior women, a loyal dog, and a sassy cat.
Her two four-legged office assistants inspire the personalities of Dickens & Christie. Why is Dickens a fiend for belly rubs? Because Kathy’s real-life dog is. The same goes for Christie’s finicky eating habits and penchant for lolling on top of the desk or in the file drawer. She gets it from the calico cat who rules the roost.
How does Kathy describe her life? “I’m living a dream I never knew I had.”
Book I in the series, Bells, Tails & Murder, won a 2020 Readers’ Favorite Gold Award, and Pets, Pens & Murder, Book VII, garnered a 2023 Georgia Author of the Year nomination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 21, 2022
First of all, you HAVE to love a book where the number of animal characters equals or exceeds the human characters. These animals are not just here for the softening or humerous effect. They play a major role not only n the story but also in the solving of the mystery!
I am in love with this series and strongly reccomend it whether or not you care if the animals take an active role.
The mystery aspect is excellent, the relationships are wonderful, and this one will keep you turning pages.
I am in love with this series and strongly reccomend it whether or not you care if the animals take an active role.
The mystery aspect is excellent, the relationships are wonderful, and this one will keep you turning pages.
November 5, 2022
I had to go cuddle with my Daisy dog a few extra times as I read this one. There’s no murder in this mystery but a beloved pet going missing is every pet owners nightmare. And, of course, there’s far more to this than simply a missing pets story.
I should note upfront that Leta and her pets talk, not only talk but understand each other. It all seems quite normal. I mean, while I'm sure there are many times I'd just as rather not know exactly what Daisy is thinking, I find myself talking aloud to her, telling her that I wish I could understand what she's saying as I read. She just gives me "that look". Leta does hear and understand her pets, Dickens the dog and Christie the cat, but they are typical pets, full of love, fun and mischief. Nothing magical. In fact, it's Dickens' caring heart that leads him astray as he attempts to protect and help Buttercup, a fellow canine. You've gotta love that dog.
From there the story evolves into not just main character Leta's search for her missing canine friend but a tale of community wide dog napping. As Leta searches, she's also preparing for the arrival of boyfriend Dave, who had to return to New York to prepare for his move to England. She's surrounded by her friends, too, who want to help, particularly the LOL (Little Old Ladies) detective group. They definitely up their game in the quest to return not just Dickens to the safely of his home but other missing pets. All this, mind you, when a storm is kicking in, sending them driving in circles at times, not to mention sliding.
In other words, as noted, it's a character driven story, with both the human and critters playing important roles, and, wow, Ellie! Nope, not telling any more. You won't regret picking up this one to read. It has become a favorite and much anticipated read for me, one for which I set aside whatever else I'm reading to read. Give it a read! Heck, spoil yourself and get the entire series. It's that good.
I should note upfront that Leta and her pets talk, not only talk but understand each other. It all seems quite normal. I mean, while I'm sure there are many times I'd just as rather not know exactly what Daisy is thinking, I find myself talking aloud to her, telling her that I wish I could understand what she's saying as I read. She just gives me "that look". Leta does hear and understand her pets, Dickens the dog and Christie the cat, but they are typical pets, full of love, fun and mischief. Nothing magical. In fact, it's Dickens' caring heart that leads him astray as he attempts to protect and help Buttercup, a fellow canine. You've gotta love that dog.
From there the story evolves into not just main character Leta's search for her missing canine friend but a tale of community wide dog napping. As Leta searches, she's also preparing for the arrival of boyfriend Dave, who had to return to New York to prepare for his move to England. She's surrounded by her friends, too, who want to help, particularly the LOL (Little Old Ladies) detective group. They definitely up their game in the quest to return not just Dickens to the safely of his home but other missing pets. All this, mind you, when a storm is kicking in, sending them driving in circles at times, not to mention sliding.
In other words, as noted, it's a character driven story, with both the human and critters playing important roles, and, wow, Ellie! Nope, not telling any more. You won't regret picking up this one to read. It has become a favorite and much anticipated read for me, one for which I set aside whatever else I'm reading to read. Give it a read! Heck, spoil yourself and get the entire series. It's that good.
July 21, 2023
This is a delightful Christmas Cozy. A beloved dog runs away with an older dog leaving her owner one of the Little Old Ladies Detectives. They learn there have been a number of dogs that have been missing and some possibly dog napped. That becomes the focus of their investigation. The means they take to try to find the missing dogs and find the dog mappers are sometimes hilarious.
Nobody dies in this holiday Cozy but the mystery with the dogs is still compelling. The characters are mostly likable with one main exception. The romance involving the main character adds to the storyline.
The animals are characters in themselves and add so much to the story.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this wonderful series.
I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Copy.
Nobody dies in this holiday Cozy but the mystery with the dogs is still compelling. The characters are mostly likable with one main exception. The romance involving the main character adds to the storyline.
The animals are characters in themselves and add so much to the story.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this wonderful series.
I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Copy.
October 31, 2022
Clever and entertaining Christmas treat! Leta and Dickens and Christie are at again in this delightful Cotwolds dog and cat mystery with all of Kathy Manos Penn’s usual interesting characters in attendance including the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency. This time there’s no murder but a dog napping ring and the ladies are on the trail. Danger lurks and Dickens escapes to follow and protect forlorn friend Buttercup who’s lost his grown up, so Leta also has to find both dogs. It’s a little hair raising as the forecast snow makes travel difficult, but you’ll need to read to see what happens. You won’t be sorry.
September 28, 2022
Christmas in the Cotswolds!🎄🌟
What’s not to love? Christmas season, cozy English village, open fire, candles lit, something hot in your cup, dogs and cats and your very best friends.🎄
This is Leta Parker’s second Christmas in England and she is preparing for the holiday and looking foreward to having Dave home again. But it wouldn’t be a Dickens and Christie Mystery without something dramatic happening - this time it involves our four-legged sweethearts.🌟
Dickens and his new friend, Buttercup, suddenly run out of Leta’s cottage and don’t come back. It is so heartwarming to read that her close circle of friends wraps their arms around her in her search for the bestest boy, Dickens and his friends. 🎄
In this book, number 8 in this series, the two senior members, Ellie and Belle, of the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency really step up to the plate when the search for Dickens reveals a large number of other missing pets in the area and nearby villages.🌟
Will Leta stay strong throughout this ordeal?? Will she get into dangerous situations ( again!)? Will she figure out this mystery in time?And will Dickens come back to tell the how and why so they all can celebrate Christmas together - all while a big snow storm is brewing?🎄
Find your best pyjamas, a nice hot chocolate or a cup of tea, light a candle and get under a comfy blanket and enjoy this holiday book. It is quite the page-turner and I read really fast to see what was going on. Enjoy!🌟
I was so lucky to get this book as an ARC reader from the author and this is my honest review given voluntarily. I can hardly wait for the next book in this wonderful series!🎄🌟
What’s not to love? Christmas season, cozy English village, open fire, candles lit, something hot in your cup, dogs and cats and your very best friends.🎄
This is Leta Parker’s second Christmas in England and she is preparing for the holiday and looking foreward to having Dave home again. But it wouldn’t be a Dickens and Christie Mystery without something dramatic happening - this time it involves our four-legged sweethearts.🌟
Dickens and his new friend, Buttercup, suddenly run out of Leta’s cottage and don’t come back. It is so heartwarming to read that her close circle of friends wraps their arms around her in her search for the bestest boy, Dickens and his friends. 🎄
In this book, number 8 in this series, the two senior members, Ellie and Belle, of the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency really step up to the plate when the search for Dickens reveals a large number of other missing pets in the area and nearby villages.🌟
Will Leta stay strong throughout this ordeal?? Will she get into dangerous situations ( again!)? Will she figure out this mystery in time?And will Dickens come back to tell the how and why so they all can celebrate Christmas together - all while a big snow storm is brewing?🎄
Find your best pyjamas, a nice hot chocolate or a cup of tea, light a candle and get under a comfy blanket and enjoy this holiday book. It is quite the page-turner and I read really fast to see what was going on. Enjoy!🌟
I was so lucky to get this book as an ARC reader from the author and this is my honest review given voluntarily. I can hardly wait for the next book in this wonderful series!🎄🌟
October 16, 2022
This is book eight of a series. Our main cast of characters have been dubbed “The little old ladies” and they have a habit of falling into a mystery.
This quaint tale involves a crime. We have a new character named Lucy who comes to the Cotswolds after the death of her sister. She has custody of her sister’s dog named Buttercup.
Lucy is a photographer who specializes in photos of animals. She has to go to France on a business trip leaving Buttercup in the care of Sarah.
Soon it’s decided that Buttercup will go stay with Leta and the gang (with Lucy’s approval). Dickens loves having a canine playmate.
When Dickens and Buttercup run off, Leta uses all resources of their group to locate the lost pets.
This was a very enjoyable read. I was worried if Dickens and Buttercup were all right and would they ever get home.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries that take place in England then give this book a try.
I’ve been hooked with this series since book one. I always enjoy my visits to the Cotswolds.
This quaint tale involves a crime. We have a new character named Lucy who comes to the Cotswolds after the death of her sister. She has custody of her sister’s dog named Buttercup.
Lucy is a photographer who specializes in photos of animals. She has to go to France on a business trip leaving Buttercup in the care of Sarah.
Soon it’s decided that Buttercup will go stay with Leta and the gang (with Lucy’s approval). Dickens loves having a canine playmate.
When Dickens and Buttercup run off, Leta uses all resources of their group to locate the lost pets.
This was a very enjoyable read. I was worried if Dickens and Buttercup were all right and would they ever get home.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries that take place in England then give this book a try.
I’ve been hooked with this series since book one. I always enjoy my visits to the Cotswolds.
November 25, 2022
I just love the Dickens and Christie series, and this is another good one. Reminiscent of The Incredible Journey, Dickens and Buttercup take off leaving Leta to wonder where they have gotten to. After searching all their well-known spots, she posts notices of the missing animals. As sightings come in, she and her friends start to follow the trail, with a few adventures along the way! Leta is looking forward to seeing Dave for Christmas as snow makes an appearance. Great story! I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.
October 15, 2022
Take a deep breath and prepare for a rather different (and sometimes heart-rending) mystery from this book in the series. As always, the relationships between the characters (both human and animal) are the centerpiece of the story. The journeys undertaken always are with loving companions - making all the difference for each of the characters. And, be prepared for a rousing display of courage and resolve from Ellie, the dowager countess.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
October 18, 2022
A wonderful little mystery with adorable and feisty animals, that by their running away, helps solve a mystery of the dog nappers!
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Funny Happily Ever After Action-packed Tragic Entertaining Easy-to-read Realistic Tear-jerker Wonderful characters Original Page-turner Witty Unpredictable Whimsical
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Funny Happily Ever After Action-packed Tragic Entertaining Easy-to-read Realistic Tear-jerker Wonderful characters Original Page-turner Witty Unpredictable Whimsical
October 17, 2022
Revolving around lost and kidnapped dogs, Dickens goes missing and Leta goes crazy with fear wondering if she will ever see her beloved pet again. A heart-breaking story and entertaining as always, I can't wait for the next installment to this always superbly written series.
Highly Recommended.
I was given this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Highly Recommended.
I was given this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 6, 2022
This latest novel finds Leta Parker on a desperate search for Dickens and fellow dog friend, Buttercup.
Leta relies upon her friends and local community to search. One suggestion presented is of the burgeoning crime of Dognapping.
I, actually, had a difficult time with this story plot due to the subject. The writing and research by the Author is apparent, however, the thought of losing a beloved fur baby almost did me in.
The book has a satisfying conclusion. Also the added benefit of my being more alert to these increasing crime statistics.
Leta relies upon her friends and local community to search. One suggestion presented is of the burgeoning crime of Dognapping.
I, actually, had a difficult time with this story plot due to the subject. The writing and research by the Author is apparent, however, the thought of losing a beloved fur baby almost did me in.
The book has a satisfying conclusion. Also the added benefit of my being more alert to these increasing crime statistics.
December 2, 2022
Canine crime
I really enjoy the interaction between Let's and her fur children. It would be interesting if she had a column done by Dickens and Christie. The mystery was great involving the LOL and their collection of data the solve the crime. It was a good approach about addressing dog napping. Ever so often it's brought to our attention that it still exist, even with microchips.
I really enjoy the interaction between Let's and her fur children. It would be interesting if she had a column done by Dickens and Christie. The mystery was great involving the LOL and their collection of data the solve the crime. It was a good approach about addressing dog napping. Ever so often it's brought to our attention that it still exist, even with microchips.
December 5, 2022
Dognappers
The second book I have read by this author and will not be the last. Enjoy her characters and each plot keeps you wondering "What next".
The second book I have read by this author and will not be the last. Enjoy her characters and each plot keeps you wondering "What next".
July 12, 2024
Fun story and fun to have a mystery to solve without a murder!
October 26, 2022
Leta is ready to relax while puppy sitting. But Dickens and the pup dash out the door and Leta can't find them. She then discovers hers isn't the first to go missing. Now the Little Old Ladies (LOL) group is on the case to find the missing pets. Plenty of story, and side action, to keep you entertained while the mystery gets solved. A nice Christmas story for the holidays.
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October 30, 2022Dickens and Christie are the dog and cat team who help their owner solve mysteries, while bringing love and joy. But when their owner is helping pup sit for a friend and said pup runs away, Dickens goes missing as well. Leta, their owner, soon hears that many dogs in the area have been dog napped, some possibly for ransom, so the search for the missing dogs ramps up. Throw in normal Christmas activities and a snow storm for good measure and you have the recipe for a winning story. I’ll admit, missing dogs made me hug my fur baby more tightly.
If you love dogs, cats, Christmas, and good friends solving crimes, I would recommend this series. Candy Canes, Canines, and Crime is book 8 in the Dickens and Christie series, but the author does a masterful job of filling in the blank spaces for anyone who may have started in the middle of the series. Don’t miss this series! It’s a hit for both 2 and 4 legged readers!
If you love dogs, cats, Christmas, and good friends solving crimes, I would recommend this series. Candy Canes, Canines, and Crime is book 8 in the Dickens and Christie series, but the author does a masterful job of filling in the blank spaces for anyone who may have started in the middle of the series. Don’t miss this series! It’s a hit for both 2 and 4 legged readers!
July 8, 2023
This was the last of the series, which I've thoroughly enjoyed. In this one the mystery involves dognaping.
November 3, 2022
Kathy Manos Penn can be counted on for an entertaining holiday mystery in the beautiful Cotswold region with transplanted American, Leta Parker, her fur babies (Dickens, the dog and Christie, the cat), and all her British friends. After spending the Thanksgiving holidays in America with family and Dave (her significant other), Leta returns home to the Cottawolds to prepare for the Christmas holidays and Dave’s planned move to England. Lucy, an animal artist, happens to be staying in the area and Leta is thrilled to commission a portrait of Dickens and Christie. Dickens quickly becomes the friends with Lucy’s dog Buttercup; and when Lucy temporarily travels to France to continue her work, Leta volunteers to keep Dickens’ new pal. This arrangement seems ideal until during an afternoon walk with a series of mishaps, Buttercup suddenly runs off. Worried for his pal, Dickens chases after her. Leta feels guilty as she recalls the previous discussion of local dognapping, and when the pair fails to come home, she is even more concerned that they might have been taken. Leta and the LOL (Little Old Ladies) launch their trademark thorough investigation with help from the residents of Astonbury and this time, it’s deeply personal. Even Leta’s unique ability to communicate with animals yields no useful information from the canine and feline residents of the village. What really happened to Dickens and Buttercup? Will the beloved pets be found in time to make the upcoming holiday a true celebration? Whether you are a series fan like me or not, you will enjoy this Christmas story. Kathy provides a helpful character summary at the beginning of each book to introduce the cast. Additionally, I appreciate the way she includes anecdotes from previous stories, benefiting new readers and refreshing the memories of regulars. Her recipes and list of books mentioned can be found at the end. For all these reasons, I continue to eagerly await each new tale and recommend all the Dickens and Christie titles to cozy mystery lovers everywhere. I am happy to leave this honest review of an ARC I received from the author.
November 11, 2022
Candy Canes, Canines & Crime is the 8th book in the Dickens & Christie series. Leta has the ability to understand what animals are saying when everyone else can only hear animal noises. Her conversations with her dog and cat, Dickens and Christie, as well as everyone else’s pets are often quite hilarious. This book, which is set at Christmas time, was a delight because it was not a murder mystery. Pets are disappearing and the police aren’t trying to help find them even when it appears there’s something a little more sinister going on! I love that the main characters are older adults who aren’t willing to just sit back and are all too ready to jump in and get the job done. I’m so looking forward to the next book to see what this wonderful group is going to get into!
June 4, 2023
What a wonderful book!
October 30, 2022
It is the holiday season once again in the Cotswolds, though for some it may not be Merry and Bright. Leta Parker and the LOL's are off on yet another adventure. This time close to home! There seems to be a rash of disappearing dogs in the area. Is there a ring of dognappers stealing precious pets? To top it all off Dickens, ( Leta's pup) Watson a cat friend and Buttercup a new canine friend run off. Were they taken or are they off on a grand adventure? Leta and the LOL's are on the case once more to solve the mysterious dognappings and find Dickens and his friends.
Kathy Manos Penn has done it once again, with a cozy mystery that tugs at the heartstrings and keeps the reader engaged until the end. On a personal level I loved this story being an animal lover and furbaby mom. It was sweet to see Kathy Manos Penn work in her own late pup as Leta's dog before Dickens. What a loving tribute to Banjo! I definitely give Candy Canes, Canines and Crime a five out of five star rating. This is a must read you do not want to miss. This is my own expressed opinion and no one elses.
Kathy Manos Penn has done it once again, with a cozy mystery that tugs at the heartstrings and keeps the reader engaged until the end. On a personal level I loved this story being an animal lover and furbaby mom. It was sweet to see Kathy Manos Penn work in her own late pup as Leta's dog before Dickens. What a loving tribute to Banjo! I definitely give Candy Canes, Canines and Crime a five out of five star rating. This is a must read you do not want to miss. This is my own expressed opinion and no one elses.
October 7, 2022
I can't say enough about that adorable cover but then it really pulls at your heartstrings more because the book is about missing dogs, kidnapped dogs, returned dogs, and a missing cat. And the tension really builds when Dickens goes missing along with his new friend Buttercup. Leta is frantic and so are the readers who adore Dickens. Since the bigger mystery involves all the missing dogs, the LOLs get totally involved in trying to figure out what's going on with all the missing and some returned dogs. The police treat the dogs as just some missing property so they are no help, other than Jonas, whose sister's dogs was one that went missing and got returned. To make it even worse, rare snowstorm is predicted. Will Leta get caught talking to the fur babies? This is definitely a book you can't put down. No murder but still plenty of tension and mystery to keep you hooked into a one sitting reading. Ellie plays a bigger part in this one and it's really fun to watch her. She is definitely a fabulous character. Wonderful cast of characters in the front along with a great cast of animals to keep you on track. It's always wonderful to return to Cotswolds. It's like visiting with old friends. The book ends with Dave's visit at Christmas so wonderful ending as well. Looking forward to our next visit with Dickens, Christie, and friends.
October 23, 2022
Christmas is coming to the Cotswolds, but not everything is shiny and bright. Beloved pets are missing and the whole town gets involved to help bring them home. The characters are warm and caring, the people that you want to have your back when there are troubles.
It’s a different kind of case for the LOL (Little Old Ladies), and they rise to the challenge.
I enjoyed reading this book, it put me in the Christmas mood with enough tension to hold my interest.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advance copy of the book. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
It’s a different kind of case for the LOL (Little Old Ladies), and they rise to the challenge.
I enjoyed reading this book, it put me in the Christmas mood with enough tension to hold my interest.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advance copy of the book. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
October 5, 2022
Leta's preparing for the holidays which are fast approaching. The Little Old Ladies set out to solve a new type of mystery, dognapping. And Leta is surprised when Dickens runs off with Buttercup, a dog she was watching.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is a prime example of why. The book's well-written with well-rounded characters, some of whom you'll like and others you won't which makes for an exciting story. I was drawn into this engaging tale and kept hooked from beginning to end. The mysteries will keep you on your toes despite there being no murder in this book. There are twists and turns throughout which will get you involved in the book. I loved this book and am looking forward to the next. I highly recommend both book and series which I believe is best read in order although the mystery in each book is self-contained. I did receive an ARC of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is a prime example of why. The book's well-written with well-rounded characters, some of whom you'll like and others you won't which makes for an exciting story. I was drawn into this engaging tale and kept hooked from beginning to end. The mysteries will keep you on your toes despite there being no murder in this book. There are twists and turns throughout which will get you involved in the book. I loved this book and am looking forward to the next. I highly recommend both book and series which I believe is best read in order although the mystery in each book is self-contained. I did receive an ARC of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review.
December 17, 2022
Candy Canes, Canines, and Crime
A very good Christmas-time cozy mystery! Dogs, cats, donkeys, & sheep, oh my!! Throw in some dog nappers & whad'ya got? Laughs, tears, & a grumpy old policeman! The main human character can not only speak to her dog & cat, but can understand them, too! The neighbors' animals, too! When her loveable dog runs off with a dog that she's dogsitting, she's heartbroken & disturbed. Why would he run away like that? Were they taken? When there are more missing dogs, & the head of the police force aggressively refuses to allow his staff to investigate, AND threatens HER with charges, she & the rest of the Little Old Ladies Investigations group get to work to not only find these precious pups, but to stop the thieves! Read to find out who, what, when, where, & why!
A very good Christmas-time cozy mystery! Dogs, cats, donkeys, & sheep, oh my!! Throw in some dog nappers & whad'ya got? Laughs, tears, & a grumpy old policeman! The main human character can not only speak to her dog & cat, but can understand them, too! The neighbors' animals, too! When her loveable dog runs off with a dog that she's dogsitting, she's heartbroken & disturbed. Why would he run away like that? Were they taken? When there are more missing dogs, & the head of the police force aggressively refuses to allow his staff to investigate, AND threatens HER with charges, she & the rest of the Little Old Ladies Investigations group get to work to not only find these precious pups, but to stop the thieves! Read to find out who, what, when, where, & why!
February 11, 2023
Buttercup
Lucy a pet photographer moves to town with her dog Buttercup, a basset hound/golden retriever. Lucy has to go to France for her job and leaves Lucy with Sarah.Dickens likes playing and looking after Lucy. Lucy seems depressed and won't eat. They decide that maybe Buttercup would do better at Leta's with Dickens to keep her company. Leta gets Dickens and Buttercup ready to go see the donkeys, Christie wants to go also, Leta gets the backpack this allows Buttercup to run out the door and Dickens follows. They can't find the two dogs. While looking for the dogs the LOL find there are dogs being kidnapped. The LOL decide to investigate missing dogs since the police don't have time. The LOL go on a grand adventure trying to solve this and get Dickens and Buttercup back. An enjoyable fun story.
Lucy a pet photographer moves to town with her dog Buttercup, a basset hound/golden retriever. Lucy has to go to France for her job and leaves Lucy with Sarah.Dickens likes playing and looking after Lucy. Lucy seems depressed and won't eat. They decide that maybe Buttercup would do better at Leta's with Dickens to keep her company. Leta gets Dickens and Buttercup ready to go see the donkeys, Christie wants to go also, Leta gets the backpack this allows Buttercup to run out the door and Dickens follows. They can't find the two dogs. While looking for the dogs the LOL find there are dogs being kidnapped. The LOL decide to investigate missing dogs since the police don't have time. The LOL go on a grand adventure trying to solve this and get Dickens and Buttercup back. An enjoyable fun story.
March 27, 2023
I enjoyed this book it was an entertaining read. Dickens the dog and Christie the cat are in another adventure. This time dogs are missing and Leta Parker and the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency are helping Leta find Christie and another dog she was watching who ran out the front door and have not returned. Leta discovers there have been a lot of dogs being kidnapped in her town and others close by so they investigate and post notices in the papers and around town. This is a clean read no murders just a mystery to solve.
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December 6, 2022This was an outstanding adventure with Leta, Dickens, Christie and the LOL Detectives. What a great story with a great ending. Can't wait for Kathy Manos Penn to finish the next book in the series.
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January 15, 2023Fun cozy mystery with ties to both England and the United States.
March 23, 2025
Sweet but predictable story that was clearly inspired by another famous book about animals. Also the only book in the series so far that doesn't feature a dead body. I still enjoyed the story, but I'm disappointed that it was so derivative of a well-known work. I do like that it was a departure from the usual formula for this series and I would like to see more stories about mysteries that don't involve murder. The side stories about the missing dogs (actually two different stories connected by that fact) are what save this volume from being entirely derivative.
It's also shorter than the other volumes in this series, which isn't a bad thing given how different it is, but if other readers also like the departure from dead bodies every time Leta turns around, then I say do it again and make the next one more involved.
I really debated between 3 and 4 stars on this one, but in the end, the obvious attempt to copy another story was a real turn-off for me, regardless of the author's reasons. That doesn't mean I think she stole the idea, but it does mean I think she went too far with the imitation.
It's also shorter than the other volumes in this series, which isn't a bad thing given how different it is, but if other readers also like the departure from dead bodies every time Leta turns around, then I say do it again and make the next one more involved.
I really debated between 3 and 4 stars on this one, but in the end, the obvious attempt to copy another story was a real turn-off for me, regardless of the author's reasons. That doesn't mean I think she stole the idea, but it does mean I think she went too far with the imitation.
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