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Saving animals and solving murders seem to go paw-in-paw for shelter manager and amateur sleuth Lauren Vancouver. But this time, mixed up in a murder that may close a much-needed new shelter. Lauren will have to keep herself and her critters safe from an unleashed killer.

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 3, 2012

6 people are currently reading
311 people want to read

About the author

Linda O. Johnston

132 books464 followers
Linda O. Johnston's first published fiction appeared in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and won the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for Best First Mystery Short Story of the Year. Since then, Linda has had more short stories and novellas published, plus, by the end of 2018, she will have had fifty novels published, including mysteries and romance.

Linda currently writes the Barkery and Biscuits Mysteries cozy mystery series for Midnight Ink, and also wrote the Superstition Mysteries for them, both featuring dogs. She has also written the Pet Rescue Mystery series for Berkley Prime Crime, which was a spinoff from her Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery series. And yes, they involved dogs, too.

Linda also writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, including a new miniseries about a K-9 ranch where dogs are trained. Linda additionally writes paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne including the Alpha Force miniseries about a covert military unit of shapeshifters--and all the werewolves also have cover dogs.

Linda, a currently inactive transactional attorney, now writes fiction full-time. She is a member of the Los Angeles chapters of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America, including the Los Angeles, Orange County and Santa Clarita chapters.

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5 stars
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63 (27%)
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94 (40%)
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25 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for PamG.
1,310 reviews1,051 followers
May 1, 2021
Hounds Abound by Linda O. Johnston is part of the Pet Rescue cozy mystery series set in the Los Angeles area of California. Pet shelter manager Lauren Vancouver not only saves dogs and cats, but this is the third book in the series where she has been an amateur sleuth. Her facility is a no-kill animal rescue shelter named HotRescues. Soon after meeting the owner of another no-kill shelter, Save Them All, which specializes in older and handicapped dogs and cats, Lauren once again works to identify a killer.

While the reader gets a decent feel for Lauren’s values and personality, the other characters did not have a lot of depth. The story line was good, but the pace was rather slow. I did enjoy the interludes with the various pets and potential adoptees.

Overall, this book was entertaining and enjoyable, but the sleuthing was somewhat disappointing. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and pets, then this may be the next series for you.

Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Profile Image for QNPoohBear.
3,589 reviews1,564 followers
May 18, 2018
2.5 stars rounded up

Pet rescuer Lauren Vancouver is super excited about Save Them All the new shelter for senior dogs/cats and homeless pets with special needs. She finds a kindred spirit in the shelter operator Bella Frankovick. Bella is having a spot of trouble with her money obsessed, plastic surgeon ex-husband Miles. Miles wants his money back and the shelter closed. The shelter opening gets off to a great start despite Miles and Dr. Victor Drammon, a vet who claims old and ill pets should be euthanized to end their suffering. When Bella's ex keeps harassing her, she calls Lauren for support. Then Lauren finds Miles has been murdered and Bella becomes the chief suspect. Though she swore she'd never investigate again, Bella needs Lauren's help and the pets at Save Them All need Bella. Lauren vows to find out who really killed Miles before Bella is convicted.

Mystery plot wise the story was interesting. I never guessed who the murderer was. I thought it was someone different. Lauren never guessed either and that kind of bothered me. She stumbled into it when the murderer suspected Lauren knew what had happened. The motive seemed a little weak to me. Writing wise the author's style is very matter-of-fact. There's a lot of extraneous detail and each person is described in really weird, general terms-some of which are kind of harsh and rude "Senior citizen, gray haired, stooped"; "African-American features"; sexy. There's not a lot of humor or light moments in this story. There are a few brief heartwarming moments that I wish had been extended into longer scenes. The big big thing I was really surprised about and didn't like was the lack of a PSA about adopting older and ill pets. A 13-year-old Dachshund can easily live a good 5-7 more years if he's taken care of properly. He probably needs to lose some weight and that will help his gait and speed. An amputee dog does not require an expensive bionic leg unless the company wants to donate it. They can get along just fine on three legs. This book really really needed to highlight some happy endings to counterbalance the negativity.

I wanted to like Lauren because we're both passionate about animal rescue and share many of the same views on cultural things as well. However, Lauren is annoying, judgemental, harsh, rude and self-described "micromanager" (translation: she's a [name for female dog]). Lauren thinks she's better than everyone and passes judgement on everyone's looks, including her own. She harshly condemns people who opt for cosmetic surgery, people who choose to put clothes on their pets and other things that are none of her business. She constantly refers to psychologists, including her friend Mona, as a "shrink" which I found disrespectful. Her methods of investigating are mean, rude and immature. She's lucky she didn't get killed. I for one would not want her anywhere near me. She talks about her horrible ex-husband but I wonder what he has to say about her and if her wonderful first husband would have remained wonderful if he had lived? Her relationship with Matt is "friends with benefits" though he seems to care more about her than she does about him. She has two "wonderful" kids, obviously because she's so awesome and she raised her kids. They're living adult lives on their own and didn't even need to be in the story at all.

I liked Bella for the most part. I love her shelter and how she is taking money SHE earned and using it to help animals. Her ex sounds like a major jerk. Bella has a big heart and she's kinder and softer than Lauren. Bella is in a tough spot and I felt bad for her. A certain reveal made me like her a little less. Bella's friend and accountant, Kip, is a weasley little man. He's so nervous and obviously in love with her. I suspected him of murder. Did he do it to protect Bella and/or Save Them All? Is he a killer?

Callie, Lauren's friend, a veterinarian, is kind of not a nice person. She's intense and I relate to her passion for animal welfare but her people skills need work. No wonder she's friends with Lauren.

All the people in LA in this story NOT involved in animal rescue are shallow and/or evil villains like Dr. Drammon. He made me so angry! I wanted him to meet [url=https://www.facebook.com/sarutcp]Saru...] and [url=http://kingsriverlife.com/07/06/long-...]. Had she been euthanized to put her out of her "suffering," the world would be a lot darker place and many fewer terriers rescued. Also, Elijah who was old and blind but enjoyed retirement on a farm in sunny California where his new mom, a veterinarian, made custom walking trails for him to sniff out. Dr. Drammon should meet [url=http://cairnrescue.blogspot.com/searc...]. The list goes on and on! (Thank you Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network for all you do). I fully expected Lauren to murder the evil vet herself! Miles was worse because he's also a cosmetic surgeon and most likely also approved of animal testing. He was awful to Bella and wanted money he didn't need just because he was mad at her. Miles had unsurprising secrets too. In typical cozy mystery fashion, the dead guy was a nasty piece of work who the reader doesn't mind seeing get killed.

I'm not interested in reading any more of this series. I picked this up for 50 cents at the library book sale and it was worth the 50 cent donation but not a book I want to keep.
Profile Image for Debbie.
372 reviews
July 9, 2012
I like mysteries and I love animal rescue so I figured this would be a good match. I found the main character too literal - being inside her head was like reading through computer code - if... Then ....else...

There was also a lot of filler in this novel - never a good sign. "I went to my office and turned on my computer, I read through my files for a while and reorganized my suspect list..."

And don't get me started on the "marathon training"...a 6 mile marathon? Um that's called a 10k....

Now I do like the idea of a shelter that specializes in older and special needs animals. Older dogs get passed up all the time for the cute little puppies - people don't realize the benefits of adopting and older dog, I had hoped this novel would spread some of those ideas, but it did not.
Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews74 followers
December 19, 2014
DNF No originality at all. I have read almost the same story a lot of times
Profile Image for Linda.
1,087 reviews10 followers
June 10, 2015
Okay, three times is the charm or in this case, three strikes and I'm out. This is a multi-published mystery author. This is her second series centered around pets and the people who love them, however, I didn't love any of the first three.

I found this book like the others to be dry and without many compelling characters including the leading lady, Lauren Vancouver and her "friend with benefits" Matt. That's a term we hear way too often in recounting a romance that is more yawn inducing than full of swoons.

The cover attracted me since I'm a dachshund lover but like the other stories the dog breeds in the title make little more than token appearances. The who done it became very obvious, by the time of the reveal I just wasn't interested.

Moving on....
Profile Image for Karen Desmond.
3,266 reviews34 followers
June 21, 2012
Not the strongest in the series but still an enjoyable read. It would have rated higher but I just find the heroine a little too much self congratulatory and self praising. A little humility wouldn't go a miss.
Profile Image for Alton Motobu.
734 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2020
Not for me. This is for certain readers who enjoy fantasy in a parallel universe, namely Beverly Hills, California, where pet rescue shelters seem to be everywhere so the residents can relinquish their pets when they go on vacation. All the people are nice, all the pets are nice, and the shelters are well kept and subsidized by rich sponsors who have no reluctance to support the animal rescuers. When characters appear you get a description of their clothes, hairstyles, and makeup (unless it's a male). The plot line is simplistic and the killer turns out to be the only person in the whole book who is not nice. I also did not like that the term "marathon" was misused - it turned out that the marathon that Lauren was training for was a 10K fun run.
2,235 reviews44 followers
September 7, 2025
I enjoyed reading Hounds Abound. I liked the theme of helping rescue animals as I currently have two rescued cats. Lauren Vancouver, director of Hot Rescues, a no-kill shelter in the San Fernando Valley, befriends Bella Frankovick, who just opened a new animal shelter Save'Em. The women share a lot of the same beliefs about giving animals second chances to find their forever homes. When Bella's soon to be ex-husband is found dead, Lauren believes she's innocent and wants to get to the truth! There are many possible suspects who could have wanted him dead and Lauren is careful not to put herself in danger while sleuthing. The book was well written and had a behind closed doors romance, which I liked.
Profile Image for Holly Stone.
912 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2023
this is the first book in the Pet Rescue Mysteries series I've read and I'm not sure how I feel about Lauren the dogs and cats in the story are cute and sweet. Lauren is the director of Hot Rescues a pet shelter. A man is killed in the parking lot of Lauren's friend Bella's animal rescue the man is Bella's ex husband and she is the first one the police suspect. In order to help clear Bella Lauren starts to investigate looking for the person who really killed Bella's husband.....
58 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2020
Liked this alot. Wish there were pet adoption places that were no kill, helped the elderly and disabled pets all over the country. Also they had all the funding they needed. When is 6 miles a marathon?
Profile Image for David Thompson.
30 reviews
September 4, 2017
This is why I try not to start in the middle of a series, even if they aren't direct sequels. I don't know if I have to read the first two, although I probably will if I can find them.
Profile Image for Betty  Bennett.
422 reviews4 followers
September 4, 2025
A pet rescue administrator, a murder, a number of possible suspects and a bevy of homeless dogs waiting for forever homes.a few implausible situations but a delightful cozy mystery.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,870 reviews326 followers
January 16, 2016
Lauren Vancouver is the administrator at HotRescues, a No-Kill Animal Shelter in Los Angeles, California, but she works with a whole network of groups and people to save and protect our furry friends. Save Them All is a new shelter that is a place for those handicapped and senior pets that need more care and are extremely hard to place in loving homes. Lauren is thrilled about this new shelter and it all ready to help Bella Frankovick promote her new venture anyway she can. Then Bella's husband is murdered and Bella is the prime suspect. To help Save Them All, Lauren must help Bella prove her innocence and get a leash on the real killer.

Dollycas's Thoughts
Again Linda O. Johnston shines a light on another pet issue, handicapped and senior pets. They may have issues but can live without pain and a pretty good quality of life. They just need to find the right homes. Save Them All Shelter sets up the perfect bridge between the two.

She wraps this information is a clever mystery for amateur sleuth Lauren to solve with plenty of distractions to keep the reader guessing. These are wonderful characters that connect through their love of animals and become friends and maybe a bit more.

Pet lovers will love this story and you may even want to rescue a pet yourself.
131 reviews
October 18, 2012
I have read a few of these pet rescue mysteries have had to push myself to get through them. I love pets and mysteries so I expected to like these books, but I really don't.

This one in particular got to me. The 6 mile "marathon" made me think that the author didn't do enough research for the book. The main thing though is I want to "like" the main character in a book (in this type of series)so I care what happens to her as well as the solving of the mystery. Unfortunately, I find it difficult to like Lauren Vancouver. She seems arrogant, and very self congratulatory, not only on her detecting skills but just in general. She is self righteous but not in a religious way.

Bottom line is in real life some people just rub you the wrong way (but others love them) and Lauren would be one of those people for me. That said, you may like her personality and enjoy the book, or not. Probably worth it to read one in this series to see if you like this author.
Profile Image for Jeannie and Louis Rigod.
1,991 reviews40 followers
April 18, 2012
There is a new shelter in town and Lauren Vancouver is excited. The shelter, "Save Them All Sanctuary" specializes in elder animals and special needs ones. The new shelter certainly fills a need that even the 'no-kill' ones can handle.

The owner of the 'Save 'Em' shelter is Bella Frankovick, a charming and caring woman. However, her ex-husband, Miles doesn't share her love of animals. Especially since it is funded by divorce monies.

Meanwhile, Lauren is also getting ready to participate in a fund raising race for her and other's shelters. Zoey, Lauren's fur pal is truly enjoying the practicing and Lauren is beginning to also. Especially when her boyfriend, Matt joins in with his pal, Rex.

This book is filled with dogs and cats and promotes healthy and safe animal adoptions as well as a good, solid, well crafted murder mystery.

I look forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
299 reviews
July 19, 2016
I decided to read this book since I have a rescue dog and I like mysteries. The book has both. I like how the author tied them together. It's the first book I have read by this author. When I started reading this book, I didn't know it was part of a series. It seems like it can be a stand alone book as well.
Lauren, the amateur sleuth , sets out to solve the mystery of who killed Miles and for what reason. There are so many clues pointing to the different characters. Any one of them could have done the killing. The author kept me guessing until the end. I like when that happens. Although it was a mystery, it wasn't a thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. There weren't twist and turns either but in any case, I thought the book was good.


Profile Image for Linda Morelli.
112 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2016
This is the third in Johnston's Pet Rescue series. Though I'm only half-way through, it's a wonderful cozy mystery that's got me hooked -- nice murder plot center on a wonderful woman who cares about animals, even the aged and infirm, enough to set up a special shelter. Unfortunately, her ex-husband hates having her spend "his" money (judging from his character and actions, she should have taken it all!). When he winds up dead, she's the main supect. Can't wait to find out who really killed him.
Profile Image for Patricia.
524 reviews127 followers
October 15, 2012
Hounds Abound is an enjoyable and fast read. A nice mystery, especially for animals lovers. This novel starts out with the opening of a new no-kill animal shelter which specializes in aging and handicapped animals. The shelters owner, Bella, has gone through a very messy divorce and is now suspected of killing her husband. Luckily Bella has a real friend in Lauren who is on the case to find the killer.
Profile Image for Carol.
748 reviews14 followers
November 7, 2012
More to dislike than to like for me. I like animal-oriented cozies in general, and I'm a big fan of pet rescue groups, but this book is a little too earnest, too preachy, about pet rescue. The bigger problem is that I really don't like Lauren much. I had reservations with the earlier books, too, but in this one, she just seems like a bumbling, tactless, abrasive idiot to me.

I probably won't attempt Pet Rescue Mystery #4.
Profile Image for Arlene.
559 reviews31 followers
February 9, 2013
Our heroine, Lauren, is the director of a no-kill animal shelter. She is introduced to a nearby shelter that takes in older animals and those who are harder to adopt. Bella, the director of that shelter is going through a nasty divorce and one night Lauren is called over and finds the ex-husband dead in the parking lot. She starts investigating because she doesn't believe that Bella did it and she is afraid that the shelter will be closed if Bella is arrested.
Profile Image for Emilia.
270 reviews24 followers
July 28, 2016
Lots of good things I can tell about this one - the rescue pet environment, love to the animals, all that makes up for a nice background... I found the whole book stretching a bit too much for my liking though, and few bits - (as: Marathon is actually 42km, not 6 miles, why not to call it simply a race or a run? If it had any symbolic meaning, I did not catch it :( ) that were like grains of sand in an otherwise tasty sandwich :D
Profile Image for Cozy Reader Lady.
1,161 reviews123 followers
May 11, 2024
Book 3 of the "Pet Rescue Mystery" series, "Hounds Abound" by Linda O. Johnston, is another great book to the series. I enjoyed the story and the issues revolving around pet ownership/rescue that these books bring up. Book 2 didn't really have the title breed worked in or actually use the character it was building to. This book, book 3, went back to the set up of the first book. It also used a hound breed more, linking better to the title and cover.
Profile Image for Susan.
559 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2013
I just can't get past all the references to running a marathon -- with dogs -- and find out it is a 6-mile race. That's not a marathon. And 6 miles still seems long to run a dog. Lauren is so self-righteous, I really am starting to dislike her character. And the incubation period for parvovirus is 4-5 days... Not instantaneous as the plot suggests.
Profile Image for Amanda.
171 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2014
First and only book I'll read from the series. The main character, Lauren, would make me run in the other direction if I saw her coming just because she's so smug and nosy. Story line wasn't strong and it dragged on for too long. Some parts read as if they were Twitter updates about Lauren's day and frankly, who cares about that minutiae?
1,323 reviews23 followers
January 30, 2015
This is a good book about dogs, shelters and a self patting on the back woman Lauren. She comes off pretty strong in the book but if you can manage to get past that you'll really like this one. I really think the author does a great job with the book and dog lovers!
1,066 reviews11 followers
August 18, 2016
unfortunately this was a harder book to read through. I like the main character but this was not one of her better books. It did not keep me from putting the book down and reading something else. Hopefully the next one will be better.
218 reviews
April 9, 2012
A murder mystery among pet rescues. Very light, but kind of cute. Great book for teens.
Profile Image for Lori B.
101 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2012
A bit tired with the plot; for a cozy, main character is making a lot of explanation of why, even though she is the director of a no-kill pet shelter, she is investigating murders.
124 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2012
Another good book. I love the animals and the storyline about older and handicapped animals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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