Elvis and the Dearly Departed

A Southern Cousins Mystery #1

by Peggy Webb

From a USA Today–bestselling First in the mystery series filled with “pure southern lunacy of the best possible kind” (Laurien Berenson).   They say you can’t get to Heaven without passing through the Eternal Rest Funeral Home. And no one gets into Eternal Rest without passing muster with Elvis—the basset hound who’s convinced he’s the reincarnation of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. Brewing up a big ol’ pitcher of Mississippi mystery, Peggy Webb’s delightful new series is as intoxicating as the Delta breeze.   Normally, Callie Valentine Jones spends her days fixing up the hairdos of the dead, but when the corpse of prominent local physician Dr. Leonard Laton goes missing, it’s bad for business. So Callie and her cousin Lovie (Eternal Rest’s resident wake caterer) have no choice but to go in hot pursuit of the recently embalmed, last seen bound for Vegas by way of downtown Tupelo.   In Vegas, Callie and Lovie hit the jackpot when they find the dearly departed inside a freezer owned by his showgirl mistress, Bubble Malone. But their luck runs out when Bubble decides to join her man in the afterlife. With the poisonous Laton family tree providing plenty of rotten suspects, Callie, along with some help from her basset hound, Elvis, is determined to crack this case—and have a killer singing “Jailhouse Rock” in time for her next haircutting appointment . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Humor, Chick Lit, Dogs

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2008

About the author

Peggy Webb. USA Today Bestseller, is the author of more than 100 novels. Her thrillers and literary novels have topped Amazon charts. A former adjunct instructor of writing at Mississippi State University, Millions of her novels have sold around the world in more than 25 languages. Peggy is the most prolific writer her home state of Mississippi has ever produced, and she is considered one of the most beloved and iconic authors in the business. Pat Conroy calls her literary work "astonishing," Kathie Fong Yoneda labels it "brilliant," and readers consider her books "Must Reads." Peggy's has won numerous awards, including many Reviewer's Choice, the Maggie, a Waldenbooks Award for #1 Bestseller of the Year, several Word Weaving Award of Excellence, and the prestigious Pioneer Award for creating the subgenre of romantic comedy. One of her novels was submitted for a Pulitzer. Peggy also writes under the pen names, Anna Michaels and Elaine Hussey.

Peggy is an accomplished pianist and singer, and has graced the stage of her local community theater in roles such as M'lynn in Steel Magnolias (played by Sally Field in the movie), and the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. She composed the blues lyrics she credited to her characters in two of her books, including her latest thriller series from Bookouture, the Logan Sisters. She passed her love of music to her family. Her son plays guitar and harmonica, her daughter and two granddaughters sing, her youngest grandson plays piano, and her grandson David Webb made the gorgeous photographs that appear through her new, state-of-the-art website. For her latest news, visit her website at peggywebb.com, stop by her blog to leave a note, and contact her with any questions. She appreciates her fans and loves hearing what you think.



Series:
* Westmoreland Diaries
* A Southern Cousins Mystery

Reviews

[Laurie (barksbooks)]

.99 @ Amazon US today. It has dogs and my friend Barb recommended the series. How could I resist?

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elvis ain't nothin' but a hound dog-literally. Elvis is a purebred Basset Hound of Tupelo, Mississippi. He's a hunka hunka burnin' love and the only dog in Tupelo, Mississippi to be the reincarnation of Elvis Presley. Elvis the hound dog is devoted to his human mom, Callie Valentine Jones, and her family. They run the Eternal Rest Funeral Home where the dearly departed get a non-stuffy, informal, fun send off and comfort from Elvis, of course. Callie is in charge of hair and makeup; Mama Ruby Nell, when not losing Callie's money at the casinos, sings; cousin Lovie bakes the bereaved comfort food liberally laced with whiskey and sherry; sensible Uncle Charlie just tries to keep everyone out of trouble. When a prominent local doctor, Dr. Leonard Laton, dies and leaves most of his fortune to his mistress, former Las Vegas showgirl Bubbles Malone, the family is incensed. With one daughter away on a hunting trip, the funeral is delayed. In the meantime, Dr. Laton's corpse vanishes from the funeral home! Callie and Lovie are determined to find him and trace the trail to Las Vegas, where Dr. Laton turns up in the most unexpected place. Elvis would love to ride shotgun but he has a date with a hot French Poodle in the back alley. Besides, he knows his human Dad, Jack, has Callie's back, even if Callie doesn't know it.

This is a very light and fluffy mystery that doesn't require much thought. In fact, it's better if the reader doesn't try to think. I thought it was easy to figure out who did it but I was wrong. I wasn't sure but I did end up suspecting. The investigation, if you can call it that, is very inept. More on that later. The local color is fun but seems like a stereotype. The saving grace of this novel is Elvis.

Elvis is a hoot. He is the perfect blend of dog (follows his nose, devoted to his human parents) and arrogant celebrity. He narrates every few chapters with his personal thoughts on what is happening around him. He is privy to secrets that characters don't tell each other, which I didn't really like. I was hoping Callie would learn these secrets by the end of the book but she never does. Elvis's voice is funny and makes the story unique. I worry about his health with Lovie slipping him treats frequently! Lovie's treats are full of carbs, sugar and plenty of alcohol-all things the human Elvis loved and apparently his reincarnated dog form enjoys them too.

The human characters are nowhere near as fun and interesting as Elvis. Callie is a horrible person. I couldn't stand her. She is reportedly estranged from her husband Jack because she wanted a family and he wanted a Harley. She is constantly worried about her eggs drying up but she doesn't make an effort to get over Jack or meet anyone new. Everytime Jack enters her life they have sex and then she gets angry and kicks him to the curb again. Callie has a designer shoe obsession without the bank account to support her habit. Sometimes she gives her shoes to her customers after having worn them only once! Then when her beloved Elvis goes missing, instead of looking for him she calls Jack, has sex, runs off to Las Vegas to investigate and doesn't seem overly concerned about her dog. I think he may be better off with Jack but Elvis wants his human mom and human dad to be together. Callie's detecting skills are nil. She is inept, bumbling, idiotic, foolish and too stupid to live. Lovie isn't a whole lot better but I liked her more than Callie. Lovie is aptly named, having had more lovers than dog Elvis has had fleas, but Lovie is a grown woman in charge of her own sexuality. She's plus size and not ashamed of it. Men love her anyway. Lovie is also more caring and a bit softer than Callie. Like Callie, she is extremely stupid in her investigation yet unlike Callie, Lovie comes up with clever ways to get information.

Callie's mama Ruby Nell isn't a great role model. Though she is devoted to her late husband's memory, he sounds like he was a wastrel. She has a gambling addiction and constantly spends Callie's money. Ruby Nell is a moocher and she's crazy. Her personality is larger than life. I can't help but think these characters are all stereotypes, though the author claims to live in the town where the book is set.

Jack is a most mysterious man. I didn't like him because Callie has no idea who he is, he doesn't confide in her or talk to her at all. All they do is have sex. Repeatedly. (Off page). When Elvis shares HIS secret knowledge of Jack it made me see Jack in a different light and I liked him a tiny bit more but that isn't saying much. Uncle Charlie is the type of man Callie should be looking for. Though Uncle Charlie reportedly had a checkered past, he fell in love and settled down. He is such a kind, sweet man devoted to his family.

The Laton children are all horrid and spoiled. Janice with her designer luggage is the worst. Mellie seems too timid to stand up to her sister. Bevvie also has a forceful personality and enjoys hunting big game. She scared me a little. Brother Kevin seems kinder and a little less self-absorbed. Perhaps because he was adopted. Bubbles seems nice enough and I am sure her life wasn't easy. It sounds like she really loved Dr. Laton but it's hard to know for sure. I found myself liking her because I hated the Latons so much.

The locals are a colorful bunch. The women gossip at the beauty parlor and play at the casino. There aren't too many locals introduced in this book. Just Fayrene who seems to be Mama's friend, partner in crime and gossip source. I'm sure others will be introduced in the next book but I have no intention of reading it.

Callie and Lovie reminded me so much of Stephanie Plum and Lula. Read this if you like the Stephanie Plum books (One for the Money, Two for the Dough, etc.), especially if you can't stand Stephanie's indecision over the two men in her life. Callie at least only has one to deal with.

Content:
This book is certainly very odd. The characters use bad language but it's never printed. "She used a word she didn't learn in Sunday school" and other euphemisms appear to clue the reader in. Callie and Lovie have a LOT of sex. A lot. None of it is ever described on the page. It's not even fade to black, it's not there. It's mentioned a whole lot though. Therefore, I labeled the book "clean" but not "Kisses only."

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't lie, I completely picked this book up ONLY because of the Basset Hound. I love the cozy mystery style as well, but as the human-Mommy of a Basset Hound that is what pulled me to this book. Is this book as strong as some of the other cozy mysteries I've read? I would have to say no, but it was a WHOLE LOT OF FUN. I loved the fact that I had NO idea who committed the crime (I'll admit I usually don't, I'm really not much of a detective)and I did love the bit of mixed-up romance within the story as well. However, I will say that I did not love how completely clueless Callie is and I hate that she seems to have sorta-separated from her husband because of the fact he bought a motorcycle. To me that just seems ridiculous, but at the same time in a way the ridiculousness of the characters reminded me of the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich, which I love, and that helps to explain why I loved the story even if some of the traits of the characters annoyed me. However, as I expected, my favorite character in the story is Elvis, her basset hound. Every three chapters or so is a short chapter- usually 2-4 pages, told from Elvis's point of view and that was just fun. The only other thing I wish is that we had more of a SOLID idea of what Jack's job is. I mean, I have more of an idea than Callie does, but maybe that is the pull to get us to read more in the series, and trust me, I plan to.

[Sally906 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book, but felt the author was trying so hard to be funny that, for me, it wasn’t – I was just rolling my eyes. The clueless main character is Callie – a hairdresser with an ex-husband she still has sex with, a gambling addicted mother and an sidekick who is an generous sized woman who loves sex. Oh and the dog who doesn’t really play as big a role as the blurb would have you expect. He occasionally pops into the story and relates it from his point of view – while having romantic liaison with a poodle!!! It’s all go in the south! I am a lover of slapstick type humour but this just didn’t make the grade for me as it seemed contrived. I just didn’t bond with any of the characters, not even the dog! Could it be because I am not an Elvis fan? Well possibly, but there wasn’t a whole lot of of Elvisisms (not sure if that is actually a word – but I am making it one) really. Could it be because of the way the Southerners were portrayed? Not at all, in that area the characters seem to be fine. The story just didn’t grab me, the characters didn’t grab me, I guessed how it was going to end about half way through and I just didn’t find it funny. I was really disappointed as was hoping for better.

[Brena Chan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was painfully bad. To begin with, it is a poor ripoff of the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series-] A previously married female protagonist striking it out on her own. In the place of plus-sized sidekick Lula is plus-sized cousin, Lovie. The Stephanie sandwiches of Peanut Butter and Olives are replaced with Callie's Peanut Butter and Banana. Instead of Mafia-esque Trenton, New Jersey, the setting is Tupelo, MI, the birthplace of Elvis. The author creates a sickeningly Southern "mafia-esque" family that keeps reminding you how Southern is. Literally. The protagonist explains to the reader that "That's just how things are done in the South" in an "As you know, Bob" fashion. Although the author clearly tries to emphasize the eccentric nature of all the characters and especially the Valentine family, none of the characters are as lovable or interesting as their Evanovich counterparts.

The most painful part of the book is the female protagonist. She is a hair-dresser who is shoe-crazy and finances her mother's gambling problem, repeatedly justifying her bad habits and destructive behavior to herself. Granted, looks are important for a hair-dresser, but I do not believe it is necessary to repeatedly inform the reader in detail of the insignificant superficial descriptions of minor characters. Further, the protagonist continues to sleep with her ex-husband the second he enters the room after spending paragraph after paragraph dawdling over how she needs to move on. Where is her backbone? Where is her self-respect? Where is her intelligence and what on earth makes her interesting? I'm from the South. I am also an avid dog-lover, mystery-lover, and animal-mystery lover. I found this book insulting, frustrating, and disappointing.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cute cute comfy mystery. It is not going to be a literary Noble prize winner; and I don't believe it is meant to be. Completely entertaining. Told from the point of view of Callie and her dog Elvis. Elvis believes, well he is Elvis reincarnated as a Basset Hound. Callie is a mixed up southern belle trying to divorce her husband because he won't have children. Meanwhile Callie and her friend Lovey find themselves in all sorts of pickles.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a Basset Hound in the story and on the cover - need I say more!

Perfect little cozy mystery. Likeable characters and laugh out loud moments. I loved the chapters written from Elvis' perspective (the Basset hound). I am eager to read the next Elvis adveture! I would recommend this to anyone who likes cozy mysteries.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love crime and mystery books! This book is great because it adds humor which you often do not see. I was laughing so hard!!!! I cannot wait to ready the next one!!!

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. Elvis reincarnated as a hound dog? Yes, please. But that is the best part of the book, Elvis. His owner is a hair dresser in a small town who complains about having no money, but wears cute shoes and drives a pretty expensive truck. His owner also has man problems. She is in the middle of a divorce but can not keep her hands off her ex. This and her internal dialog about the ex get exhausting. It’s over done and played to death. Then there is her best friend. The author goes on and on about her size. She is a sexy plus size and loves herself. But it amazes me how often her size has to be mentioned. And did I mention this is a mystery. The mystery is where did the dead body that was supposed to be in the funeral home go? It’s a wild goose chase and not all that interesting. I DNFed at the ½ way point. This book is for someone, just not me.

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is over the top silliness, but I enjoyed it. Callie and Lovie are cousins who have to find a missing corpse for their family.

What I enjoyed:
* I liked Callie, Lovie and the family. While they are "different", they are loyal.
* The chapters from dog Elvis's POV were fun, especially as he believes he is the reincarnation of Elvis

What could be better:
* Jack. He needs to come clean and fix the marriage instead of just showing up for sex whenever.
* They really didn't do much to catch the killer She pretty much just confessed during the funeral.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elvis and the Dearly Departed is a wonderful first novel to a series I am going to continue reading, I enjoyed this one that much I have the second one waiting to be read now. I love mysteries and crime novels and this one sounded to good to resist. I have to admit I do have a soft spot for Basset Hounds.

In this novel we meet the Valentine's who all have their own part to play in the running of Eternal Rest funeral home, and you come to realise that it just wouldn't work if one of them wasn't there each has an important role to the development of the story. I loved the character of Callie, she isn't perfect and she has her problems, mostly her soon to be ex Jack Jones who she is drawn to like a magnet and her Basset Hound Elvis who does as he pleases, whenever he wants, including running off for a few days with a French Poodle and catching flees. Callie is such a likeable character and I feel she is one who will appeal to a lot of people. Lovie, Callie's cousin and partner in crime, lives up to her name with having a lot of love to share around. Lovie is a good character and I enjoyed reading about her and I hope that we find out more in the following two books in the series.

The novel centers on Dr Leonard Laton's funeral and the disappearance of his body from the Eternal Rest funeral home. I know how does a corpse manage to disappear? Who would do such a thing and yes for the entire book I was guessing as to who could of done this. After the controversy of Dr Laton's will who would steal his body? There are many with motives. With Callie and Lovie heading to Vegas to see if they can find the body at Bubbles Malone's house chaos ensues when trying to recover Dr Laton they find a different surprise. With Callie and Lovie mixed up in a murder investigation they are going to have to find out who the real killer is before they get framed.

I enjoyed the breaks between some of the chapters with Elvis' thoughts and comments, that is Callie's basset hound Elvis. I loved how I could learn more about the other characters this way, as the novel is written from Callie's perspective, and learning things we would not find out otherwise.

I would recommend this book, it was one that I wanted to read till the end and I am now in possession of book 2 which will be read next and I am sure will be closely followed by book 3. I can maybe obsess over book series sometimes. I do understand that it won't be everybody's cup of tea being centred round a funeral home and and dealing with a disappearing corpse but for people who love mysteries I'm sure that will be a novel you will enjoy.

My rating for Elvis and the Dearly Departed is 4 out of 5

[chucklesthescot · Rating 1 out of 5]

I decided to read this one for two reasons-I love Elvis and his music, and because a dog that thinks he is Elvis sounded totally adorable. There was nothing wrong with Elvis the basset hound. It was the assorted human cast that I just could not stand.

Callie is our MC-southern hairdresser, about to be divorced and does make up for the dead in the family funeral home business. She is obsessed with her appearance, which I can sort of understand in her chosen profession, but she is such a dumb vacant airhead that I wanted to slap her. She is divorcing her ex Jack and fighting him for custody of Elvis the basset hound, and moans about how much she hates him. So when Elvis goes missing, instead of looking for him like a normal person would, she calls Jack, rides off on his motorbike and goes off to have sex with him. If there is one thing I hate, it is a ditzy female who can't physically resist one look from the bad boy ex. Ugh. Where is your self respect and restraint???

Jack is an arrogant ass who I instantly disliked and I hated how weak Callie becomes every time he is around. Callie also drove me mad by yet again giving her gambling addict mother more money to squander and then trying to justify it this 'one last time'. Cousin Lovie just jumps on every man she meets including the grief stricken relatives of the funeral home clients. She was another horrible example of a dumb woman who can't function without a constant supply of men in her bed. The funeral home clients were all obnoxious too. Even the basset hound can't stop talking about sex with poodles.

I read a few chapters and it was just all about sex between characters I hated and sex for the dog. I found this very dull, and thought the authors attempts at constant humour just came across as more annoying that anything else. Honestly, I wasn't even that keen on Elvis. I can't say that I liked anything about the book and this will end my moseying into the realms of cozy mysteries! Too much miss and few hits for me!

[Barb (Boxermommyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok. Let me first explain my rating a tad. Overall, I probably would have given this book 3 stars based on plot and characters. However, it has a dog...a funny dog...a dog who thinks he is (and may be) Elvis reincarnated. And in between some chapters, Elvis has his own chapters in which he is funny, endearing and snarky. Therefore, Elvis earned this book an additional star.

This is basically like a lot of other cozy mysteries and while there is no paranormal aspect, like I usually enjoy, there are some pretty hilarious characters. I love Callie and her cousin Lovie and some of the predicaments they find themselves in. The Valentine family definitely put the "fun" in dysfunctional and I believe they think anything can be fixed with family ties, humor, and booze.

The family owns a funeral home and although Callie is a hairdresser, she works for the home on the side and runs a boarding house for any family members who visit the small town for the proceedings. Lovie is a sex-crazed, curvaceous caterer who has a way for landing into trouble and "working" her way out of it. In this first book, one corpse turns up missing and another suddenly appears and Callie and Lovie take it upon themselves to find out what is going on.

The plot is fast paced and interesting enough and in general, this book was a quick read. I will definitely continue on with the series because I know my library has all of them available. I would recommend this for anyone who likes cozy mysteries or dogs - really cute dogs. It also wouldn't hurt to have an appreciation for Elvis, which I do not, but it didn't hamper my opinion of the book in any way.

[Julee Johnson-Tate · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fun and cute, with adventures in Mississippi of Callie, her cousin Lovie, the rest of the eccentric family and her dog Elvis, who is indeed the reincarnated King.

The whole thing involves not only a murder mystery, but a temporarily disappearing corpse from the funeral home Callie's uncle owns. I was reading it as an eBook and still don't have the hang of "paging" back and forth to re-read some confusing events. By that, I mean I sometimes end up hitting the "advance" button on the left side, thinking it is turning the pages back. My fault, not theirs, but this is one book I probably would have enjoyed more with it in hand. There are several similar names and it's fast-paced, so it's easy to get confused.

There were many humorous quips and silly situations, some Southern, some just from the author's mind. It was enjoyable and I'll probably read the rest in the series eventually.

[Oleander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super entertaining and a fun read. I had no idea what was going to happen next. The characters are interesting. Elvis is a hoot. The chapters devoted to his point of view are just what a dog might be thinking. On the whole I loved it. It did take me a while to get past the first person and present tense style of writing but I was able to do that for a such a good story. The other negative was Callie's shoe fetish. That got old. Also, I had to suspend belief because a corpse in August does not keep for very long. These negatives were quite minor compared to a zany and quirky storyline with lots of humor. Things like a goose attacking while the killer was being chased kept me delighted.

[Tamara Schwid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Southern gal at heart and this tugged at my heart bigtime! I have always been in love with Elvis, (any true southerner would be), but to have him reincarnated as a bassett hound is too much! I love that the dog thinks he is the king. His owner, both of them are still in love with each other but cannot come to terms. I love the fact that the plus size cousin is the hottest number in town. These books will definitely bring a smile to your face and keep you guessing all the way to the end! The capers the girls get into are worth picking up the next book to see what happens. Wonderful book!

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had positive possibilities, but I got bored in certain sections, meaning I read a lot of unnecessary fluff, and had a pretty good idea of the outcome nearly a hundred pages before the story's end.

I was really bothered by the lead protagonist's absolute cluelessness. I didn't like that she's "separated" from her husband, but is lured into having sex with him each time there's a quiet moment. And I never caught on to why exactly they're separated. That relationship is really far-fetched.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a two-star book; I gave the extra star just for being different.

I read cozy mysteries because they are . . . errr . . . cozy/comfortable. I even joined a book club at a library, which is how this one came to me. Lord knows, this is not my cup of tea. Any time we get in the head of an animal or if he talks, I am out. Both happen here. Apparently, the basset hound is Elvis re-born. And because of that, this is set in Tupelo, Mississippi and we get lots of corny Elvis lyrics-one-liners. Groan. On top of that, we get a fair share of stereotyped southerns.

Yet, this is zany.

Callie, the main character/beautician also doubles at her uncle's funeral home. And her cousin is a plus-size hussy. Callie's mother is a degenerate gambler. Callie and Jack are on the outs, but hook up numerous times in the book. Sounds like Jack is FBI, but that is unknown to Callie.

There's a lot of sexual stuff here along with name brand shoes, which meant absolutely nothing to me.

But a body is stolen from the funeral home. Callie and Lovie persue this body to Las Vegas to steal it back. But the body they steal is someone with whom they spoke to earlier in the day, who has now been killed.

The plot is a mess and the writing is confusing. There are so many characters that at the end I was still confused as to who was who. But it didn't matter because at every other turn Callie was dropping drawers with Jack, Lovie was in hot persuit, or Mom was making an entrance. It was the book version of staring at an auto accident: you scold yourself the entire time who gossip about the details.

Fun for a quick read. Lord knows what we'll actually discuss in tomorrow's book club regarding this book. I am intrigued by the title of the second book since it includes my favorite band (Grateful Dead), but the best I can tell, there aren't references to anything in the book. The storyline here is nothing I long to return to, but it was amusing while it lasted.

It is so nice to break out of the independent woman who moved back home to begin life anew with a bookstore/coffee shop who stumbles onto a crime while juggling two men. This was a bit less cliche and a whole lot more "redneck".

[Wulfwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was on my TBR for a long time. I got it for the basset hound named Elvis on the cover. I loved Elvis and his music when I was growing up. I thought it was fun having him reincarnated in the hound dog. I read this in between scary reading. I needed something to just relax and laugh with. For me, it did the job. I don’t expect reality when I read fiction. I also don’t expect my characters to be perfect examples of my idea of perfect people. The plot and characters were fun. I honestly didn’t know who did it until the end. I really enjoyed the dog.
I would recommend this book to people who just want to have fun in a cozy. If you are going to be judgmental of the characters you probably won’t like the ones here. They are probably not people you want to be. I don’t tend to look at fictional characters as role models so I’m cool with the quirky, not perfect peeps in a book. If you are looking for a serious cozy, keep going. But if you just want to escape from reality and you miss Elvis, read it.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it was well written, the mini chapters from the dogs point of view were cute, and the antics to make sure the disappearing corpse stayed put were hilarious. On the other, there was a lot of unnecessary drama: leave your man, don't leave you man, it doesn't matter just decide and stick to it. But, Callie would probably be willing to stay with him if he would just TELL HER THE TRUTH about himself and what he does. And why does Uncle Charlie know but his own wife doesn't? I think there may be something brewing between Callie's mom and her Uncle Charlie. I'm not sure abou this series. I will read the next book before deciding, but it it's going to be full of Callie saying she's done with Jack and the immediately sleeping with him I'll probably be done.

[Camilla Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad mystery for a first in series. I picked up the second book in the series at a thrift store recently; so checked with the library system about the first book. Yes it was available, so I checked out a copy. I laughed a lot. Definitely a fun read. Maybe not the gripping kind of mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but what I was looking for at the moment. Callie, Lovie, Elvis (Callie's dog), Jack (Callie's husband whom she's trying to divorce) - all are hysterical. Even Mom and Uncle! And just about everyone has secrets! Read and enjoy!

[Debra McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's cute. Elvis has been re-incarnated as a basset hound. And of course when he hears anyone sing he chimes in. He meets a female French Poodle who gives him fleas and of course there is a round of hunka hunka burnin love going on. Cute mystery, lots going on. Can't say too much more as it would give away the plot.

[Lauretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word - hilarious! The Southern Cousins kept me laughing to the end. Webb has a knack with Southern vernacular, and the plot, as unlikely as it seems (chasing down a corpse missing from a Mississippi funeral home, which may be in Las Vegas) moves quickly. Of course, Elvis, the bassett hound who thinks he is a reincarnation of the true King, is the real star of the show. He sees all, knows all, and understands a lot more than most humans. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Rebecca Cecil · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK. IT WAS A FUNNY- MYSTERY. THE AUTHOR WRITES THE DOGS (THOUGHT WORDS) TO IN THE BOOK AND IT IS FUNNY. LOVED THE MYSTERY. THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK I READ BY THIS AUTHOR AND I INTEND TO READ MORE. I LOVE A GOOD MYSTERY AND WHEN THEY ALSO HAVE SOME FUNNY MOMENTS ALL THE BETTER, AND A LITTLE ROMANCE NEVER HURT ANYONE.

[Allison Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love this and really didn't love the main character. Yes you like shoes and wants millions of babies, we heard the first 30 times. Quirks are not substitutes for character. And the talking dog is silly instead of charming. However, with the E titles, I will probably read a few more just for sheer convenience.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was definitely not what I was expecting, but it was hilarious. Lovie and Callie’s relationship is amazing! I wish Callie would figure out what she wants out of Jack. The back in forth there was annoying. I was hoping for more of Elvis since he was not in it as much as I was hoping. I’m all shook up so I’ll be continuing this series.

[Donna Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hoot

Yes I will be reading more of Peggy Webb's books. This was the first book I read and I will tell other people about it. I love 💘 good old southern books especially about Mississippi with a mix of Arkansas beside it. Keep up the good work.

[Ardnas · Rating 3 out of 5]

How cheesy can you get and still have a story that keeps your reader reading and laughing??? Peggy Webb has found the way to use every cliche possibly related to The King and added a chubby Bassett Hound named Elvis to make her readers enjoy every page. Good light quick read.

[Mary Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several LOL moments.

[Alison (Lady Coffin) S · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute cozy