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Jo Beth Sidden "Bloodhound" Mystery #5
Ten Little Bloodhounds
There's a lot of excitement down at Jo Beth Sidden's kennel. A full litter of ten baby bloodhounds is due any day. Though pressed for time, Jo Beth still agrees to do a favor for a friend -- finding a reclusive, wealthy matriarch's missing cat. But soon afterward, her client is murdered. Now, Jo Beth is looking for a killer. There's a slew of suspects to choose from, too -- all potential heirs to the matriarch's fortune. The quicker Jo Beth can solve this case, the soon she can get home to her dogs and get her life in order. But she's in for a surprise, and a fight she'll never forget.
338 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1999
41 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Lanier
10 books76 followersAn author who penned the popular "Bloodhound" series of mystery books and published her first book at age 65.
Her first book, Death in Bloodhound Red, released in April of 1995, was nominated for three literary awards: the Agatha, the Anthony, and the Macavity for the "Best First Mystery Novel in 1995."
Series:
* Jo Beth Sidden "Bloodhound" Mystery
Her first book, Death in Bloodhound Red, released in April of 1995, was nominated for three literary awards: the Agatha, the Anthony, and the Macavity for the "Best First Mystery Novel in 1995."
Series:
* Jo Beth Sidden "Bloodhound" Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 8, 2014
I loved it. The last few chapters, with Bobby Lee & Jo Beth's relationship--moved me to the core. So true to this noble breed, bloodhounds have one human that is their greatest love. Beautiful portrayal of that relationship!
January 10, 2014
I loved the whole series!
October 13, 2016
4.5 stars. My first book by this author but certainly not the last!
September 17, 2024
Another good book in the series! Read them in order!
August 21, 2021
Dnf. Best part was the bloodhounds. The main character, I think was supposed to be ‘flawed’, or maybe ‘complex’, like other good heros in mysteries, but all I got was bitchy, and frankly, unfairly mean. She reminded me of an angry teenager, full of insecurities, and unreasonable expectations.
September 6, 2022
SPOILER ALERT
I mourn that I am nearly at the end of this series, one of my favorites. The most startling event of this installment is the death of Bubba, and the subsequent trial of Jo Beth, who killed him in self-defense. But he was after all the son of a prominent citizen, even though he had been in prison numerous times, and had been heard to threaten to kill Jo Beth.
Jo Beth is enlisted by a number of people, but finally Chief Justice Constance Dalby, to find Alyce
Cancannon's cat, Amelia. She tries to make it clear that her bloodhounds do not find animals. They are in fact trained to ignore other animals. However, she does have one dog, Ivanhoe, who was incorrigible, and would not train to track properly. She agrees to try him, and he comes through. He finds the cat, which someone has thrown down a cistern with a very heavy cement and crushed shell lid that Jo Beth and Ivanhoe have to work together to remove. When she returns her to Alyce, an acerbic and rude woman, Jo Beth warns her that the person who did this is dangerous. That is the truth as soon after Alyce is murdered, shot behind the ear. She has numerous beneficiaries to her huge estate. She made it clear to her attorney she wanted Jo Beth to find out who kidnapped her cat, and had an enticing offer that Jo Beth could not refuse, as she had the hefty amount of money Alyce had offered for her work. Alyce owns four of Jo Beth's father's paintings and if Jo Beth takes on the job, she has a year in which to find the person who did it. Even if she is unsuccessful she will have the pick of the painting, tax free.
She begins the task of finding which of the beneficiaries it is. At the top of the list are Randall Finch, the pilot of her helicopter, and her companion, Celia Cancannon who lives at the estate. Both had the most access. Randall would like to date Jo Beth but is not enamored of his attitude. She keeps putting him off. Her instincts are correct as he was not willing to wait for his share, and had killed Alyce. He comes to the compound to talk to Jo Beth and kidnaps her. He is intent on taking her to Bubba, who he believes just wants to hurt her. Jasmine follows them. She has her gun but Jo Beth shoots Bubba, killing him. Randall lies on the stand and Jo Beth is found guilty. However, new evidence shows up and the verdict is overturned by Justice Dalby. Jo Beth vows to let her off from the secret that she uses to get Dalby to help her. Randall had written a confession that he had lied, to be made public when he died, not knowing that he would crash the helicopter soon after.
In this same story Jo Beth is instrumental in finding a jet that was ditched in the swamp, using Stanley to find it by the smell of jet fuel. In their first attempt, Capt Danglish wades into the water without knowing that a gator is bound to sense his presence. When Jo Beth eventually shoots the beast, his tail comes around and swats her on the calf. She is incapacitated for weeks. The use of scent to convict a criminal is also explored. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Only one to go.
I mourn that I am nearly at the end of this series, one of my favorites. The most startling event of this installment is the death of Bubba, and the subsequent trial of Jo Beth, who killed him in self-defense. But he was after all the son of a prominent citizen, even though he had been in prison numerous times, and had been heard to threaten to kill Jo Beth.
Jo Beth is enlisted by a number of people, but finally Chief Justice Constance Dalby, to find Alyce
Cancannon's cat, Amelia. She tries to make it clear that her bloodhounds do not find animals. They are in fact trained to ignore other animals. However, she does have one dog, Ivanhoe, who was incorrigible, and would not train to track properly. She agrees to try him, and he comes through. He finds the cat, which someone has thrown down a cistern with a very heavy cement and crushed shell lid that Jo Beth and Ivanhoe have to work together to remove. When she returns her to Alyce, an acerbic and rude woman, Jo Beth warns her that the person who did this is dangerous. That is the truth as soon after Alyce is murdered, shot behind the ear. She has numerous beneficiaries to her huge estate. She made it clear to her attorney she wanted Jo Beth to find out who kidnapped her cat, and had an enticing offer that Jo Beth could not refuse, as she had the hefty amount of money Alyce had offered for her work. Alyce owns four of Jo Beth's father's paintings and if Jo Beth takes on the job, she has a year in which to find the person who did it. Even if she is unsuccessful she will have the pick of the painting, tax free.
She begins the task of finding which of the beneficiaries it is. At the top of the list are Randall Finch, the pilot of her helicopter, and her companion, Celia Cancannon who lives at the estate. Both had the most access. Randall would like to date Jo Beth but is not enamored of his attitude. She keeps putting him off. Her instincts are correct as he was not willing to wait for his share, and had killed Alyce. He comes to the compound to talk to Jo Beth and kidnaps her. He is intent on taking her to Bubba, who he believes just wants to hurt her. Jasmine follows them. She has her gun but Jo Beth shoots Bubba, killing him. Randall lies on the stand and Jo Beth is found guilty. However, new evidence shows up and the verdict is overturned by Justice Dalby. Jo Beth vows to let her off from the secret that she uses to get Dalby to help her. Randall had written a confession that he had lied, to be made public when he died, not knowing that he would crash the helicopter soon after.
In this same story Jo Beth is instrumental in finding a jet that was ditched in the swamp, using Stanley to find it by the smell of jet fuel. In their first attempt, Capt Danglish wades into the water without knowing that a gator is bound to sense his presence. When Jo Beth eventually shoots the beast, his tail comes around and swats her on the calf. She is incapacitated for weeks. The use of scent to convict a criminal is also explored. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Only one to go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2025
Did not like at all!!! Usually I reserve one star for the books that I never finish due to graphic sexual scenes or language. This book had neither, so I was initially going to give this book two stars. Then I realized the only reason I finished it was because it was for a book group. Otherwise I wouldn't have finished it, so down it goes to one star.
The main character was extremely unlikeable who was always angry and over the top arrogant. Why the other characters were so loyal to her is far beyond me. There were yoo many side plots that had nothing to do with the "main" storyline, which, by the way, was a very tiny small section of the book and extremely disappointing in how it resolved. Finally it had too many details had nothing to do with anything, not even the side plots. I will never be reading another one of her books.
The main character was extremely unlikeable who was always angry and over the top arrogant. Why the other characters were so loyal to her is far beyond me. There were yoo many side plots that had nothing to do with the "main" storyline, which, by the way, was a very tiny small section of the book and extremely disappointing in how it resolved. Finally it had too many details had nothing to do with anything, not even the side plots. I will never be reading another one of her books.
September 19, 2022
Strong female main character
Once I started reading it was hard to put down. I love the story especially since I'm a dog trainer myself. The story moved along and kept my interest with new puzzles to solve. I had a hard time liking the main character at several points in the book. She would whine and complain about other characters playing games when she usually started the game. She acted like a bully in many cases. I normally like a strong female main character but Jo Beth seems to not just hate men but all people and goes out of her way to be manipulative and just down right mean.
Once I started reading it was hard to put down. I love the story especially since I'm a dog trainer myself. The story moved along and kept my interest with new puzzles to solve. I had a hard time liking the main character at several points in the book. She would whine and complain about other characters playing games when she usually started the game. She acted like a bully in many cases. I normally like a strong female main character but Jo Beth seems to not just hate men but all people and goes out of her way to be manipulative and just down right mean.
November 17, 2018
Cleared up a couple mysteries that have been ongoing! Sometimes it was a little hard to read, due to my lack of understanding of how you can continue to shoot yourself in the foot due to extreme "feminist" positions. Guess it's just me. Overall a good story - not quite enough of the doggy activity as the others, but interesting. I only have one more of the bloodhound books left - so sad Ms Lanier is gone and there will be no more.
January 6, 2018
Although this book felt oddly paced, I have come to care about Jo Beth and her world. I wouldn't want to live in it, mind, but it's an interesting place to visit. There's only one book left in the series, and I'll miss it when I'm finished. Due to the age of this series, my public library is down to one copy of every title in the series; this feels like a loss to me.
September 7, 2021
This was a very predictable, boring, cliche filled book. I guess the only reason I continued reading was because it had some cute moments featuring the bloodhounds. Also, learned more about bloodhounds. Otherwise, what a dud!
December 23, 2021
Two times, i almost decided to stop reading. I have zero sympathy for the main character. The ending wasn't fulfilling either, nor surprising. The only thing worth reading about is the author's love of dogs.
July 29, 2017
Fabulous!
I only wish the only books were available in ebook format.. Such well written written mysteries, stand alone, or as a series. Especially for dog lovets!
I only wish the only books were available in ebook format.. Such well written written mysteries, stand alone, or as a series. Especially for dog lovets!
July 3, 2019
Found myself disliking the main character this time around - she alienates everybody who cares about her and apparently only has to say "Oops" and it's all okay.
June 19, 2023
Again another great novel. So many answers!
December 17, 2024
Heartfelt and Heartfelt
This book was uplifting with its funny antics and heartfelt for the hurting felt for beloved dog and his master. Recommend reading.
This book was uplifting with its funny antics and heartfelt for the hurting felt for beloved dog and his master. Recommend reading.
January 9, 2018
Wow just wow! Lanier always gives us a little twist at the end of each book but the ending of this one shocked me. I had to re-read the last couple of chapters just to make sure I had not missed anything.
This is a wonderful series with amazing characters.
This is a wonderful series with amazing characters.
May 5, 2011
This is the first book of Lanier's that I have read, though it is clearly part of a series. Like Alex Kava sometimes does in her books, I think Lanier gives a little too much about the earlier books away in this one. I also felt the story jumped around far too often. The book begins with protagonist and bloodhound trainer Jo Beth investigating a rich woman's missing cat, and when the woman dies just a few days later, Jo Beth is called back to try to figure out whether she was murdered and if the person who took the cat might have also killed the woman. The 10 Little Bloodhounds in the title refers both to the number of puppies born in a litter delivered during the investigation, and also I suspect, a play on Agatha Christie, where there are 10 suspects to the murder.
However, the murder, which seems to be the focus of the book based on the jacket, is largely forgotten by the midpoint of the book, when Lanier instead focuses on Jo Beth's personal issues and some apparent loose ends from earlier books. The murder investigation does wrap up, but it feels like an afterthought.
On the upside, the parts of the book dealing with Jo Beth and her work with the dogs were quite enjoyable. In one of the subplots, she takes a dog out to try to find a crashed military plane, and while that plot too gets forgotten until the very end, I found myself contemplating the limits of a bloodhound's nose. Likewise, when Jo Beth is working on a scent machine she is developing to augment the bloodhound's work, it has a very real feel and opens up the possibility for something like that existing in the real world.
I would like to read another of Lanier's books that focuses more on the dogs. If she goes off on unrelated tangents again though, I won't pursue this series any further.
However, the murder, which seems to be the focus of the book based on the jacket, is largely forgotten by the midpoint of the book, when Lanier instead focuses on Jo Beth's personal issues and some apparent loose ends from earlier books. The murder investigation does wrap up, but it feels like an afterthought.
On the upside, the parts of the book dealing with Jo Beth and her work with the dogs were quite enjoyable. In one of the subplots, she takes a dog out to try to find a crashed military plane, and while that plot too gets forgotten until the very end, I found myself contemplating the limits of a bloodhound's nose. Likewise, when Jo Beth is working on a scent machine she is developing to augment the bloodhound's work, it has a very real feel and opens up the possibility for something like that existing in the real world.
I would like to read another of Lanier's books that focuses more on the dogs. If she goes off on unrelated tangents again though, I won't pursue this series any further.
February 19, 2012
Meh. Given that this book (the entire series, actually, but this is the only one I've read) is based in and around the Okefenokee Swamp in southeast GA (the area where my mom lives, and where I tend to spend most of my time whenever I'm in the States), and features an animal-loving female protagonist, I really wanted to love this book. I discovered that this series existed while seeking to fill the void left by the lack of unread Anna Pigeon books in my life, and I googled 'okefenokee mystery' to see if there were any that might fit the bill (side note: I fantasize about an Anna Pigeon set in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge). After discovering that this series existed, I emailed my mom to ask if she'd read any of them. Her review wasn't too impressive, and she said that the first book in the series was the best, and that it kind of went downhill from there. She also said that it was a bit too cliche. Not to be deterred (and in need of something to read), I looked on Amazon - sadly, only the 5th book in the series was available on Kindle. I downloaded it... and, meh. I can picture the area perfectly, as I've spent a lot of time there. The book itself did very little to paint a picture of life in southeast GA, other than throwing out place-names and giving most of the characters double first names (Jo Beth, Donny Ray, Alice Mae, etc) - which some people do, but hardly at the percentage used in the book! And the main character's abusive ex-husband was named Bubba? *cough*cliche*cough* None of the characters spoke like southeast GA people either. All that being said, the mystery part of the story was pretty entertaining - I just wish it had seemed more realistic for its setting.
June 26, 2010
continuing the bloodhound saga, lanier makes jo beth, her workers, and her friends become so real that any minute you expect one of them to knock on your door and want to come in. lanier's depiction of the whelping of her pups is so very true to life. i have raised dogs for over 40 years and i couldn't fault a thing she did! this was a very well-researched book! as usual, jo beth siddons has more irons in the fire than she can balance unless she has help. she has to juggle things so they all fit into the time she has to do them. her trials and tribulations and the mystery solving are excellent reading and i could hardly put it down, and re-read it immediatelly!
October 7, 2008
I enjoyed this book but would have enjoyed it more if they had stuck to the main murder mystery instead of going back and forth between at least 4 other events that still required Jo Beth's time and her famous bloodhounds. I found the parts about how the bloodhounds do their jobs extremely interesting. I have another one of the series on my bookshelf and plan on reading it as well. I hope she stays more on topic, though. As soon as you would get into one case, it would jump into another case all together.
November 27, 2011
I added all the books on Bloodhounds that I have read through the years. Virginia Lanier is a wonderful author and i read each one in her Bloodhound series and wanted to share these. Ifyou have not read her books you should. Virginia is no longer living. She raised bloodhounds herself and takes her life experience of that into her writing...if you love dogs and mystery, read these. These are some of my most favorite reads.
April 22, 2008
This is another series I was introduced to the late Virginia Lanier's Jo Beth Sidden from the same egroup online years ago for a group read. I'm pretty sure I remember reading all but two, but have two here for Shelfari. I might have to reread it to see if I remember the rest. A great storyline featuring dogs and Search-and-rescue.
September 4, 2009
I bought this at McKay's because it was "by Ginny." I thought I had the first one in the series, but alas, it was not the first. Anyhoo, it was good, about a woman who raises bloodhounds and uses them to search for clues to solve crimes. The protagonist lives in the Okefenokee Swamp!
I gave it to Mum and Gin to read and they liked it too.
I gave it to Mum and Gin to read and they liked it too.
July 3, 2011
I continue to enjoy this series featuring Jo Beth Siddens and her Bloodhounds. This is the 5th in the series, and Jo Beth reveals some of the less likeable and immature aspects of her personality, but goes on to attempt to pull herself back into everyone's good graces. The characters and the plots are engaging in these fast read mysteries.
October 12, 2011
This story starts out with a nice twist. JoBeth is hired by a wealthy woman to find her cat. But after the cat is found, the woman is murdered. JoBeth is than hired to solve the crime. It's a good story, but not quite as good as some of the previous stories.
February 18, 2008
This is a good series with a wonderful premise. Love the relationship between the main character and her bloodhounds.
July 11, 2008
Again, contrived that JoBeth is investigating a crime, but good overall. We finally get a resolution on Bubba.
December 17, 2008
I really enjoyed the protagonist in this series, and even though I'm not a big dog lover, I found the bloodhound training to be fascinating.
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May 15, 2009One of my favorite series - plan to read it again soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews