Squirrel Skip Squabble: A Cozy Animal Mystery

Ruff McPaw Mysteries #3

by Max Parrott

The return of the prodigal son, a nutty clue to murder...

Angela Atkinson may have left her barista days behind, but little did she know her new private investigation business would lead her straight into a twisted murder mystery. When Hummings Hollow's resident millionaire, Reginald Dean, is found bludgeoned to death in his mansion, Angela and her partner Ruff are called in to solve the case. But things take a personal turn when Angela's estranged brother, William, becomes a prime suspect.

Determined to clear her brother's name, Angela dives headfirst into the investigation. As she delves deeper into the case, she discovers not everything is as straightforward as it seems. When she rescues an injured squirrel to nurse him back to health, P. Nutty unearths a vital clue in his never-ending search for food. Angela realizes that she and the police have been barking up the wrong tree...

"A suspenseful mystery that doesn’t miss a beat." --5 Stars, Reader's Favorite

Squirrel Skip Squabble is the third book in the Ruff McPaw Mysteries series. If you adore intriguing cozy mysteries with beautiful small towns and a really adorable dog, then you won’t want to miss out on Angela and Ruff's fun and unforgettable cases.

Genres: Mystery

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2023

About the author

MAX PARROTT is a cozy mystery author who lives with his beloved golden retriever... who just so happens to be named Luffy. Even though Luffy doesn't help Max solve crimes, he does help him stay amused.

The inseparable duo often enjoy big long walks down the canal where Max reminisces about Luffy's one shot at fame - a close second in Musical Chairs for dogs one wintry Christmas Eve.

Find out more at:

www.maxparrott.com

Reviews

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Squirrel Skip Squabble is a nice cozy mystery with lots of animals, a death, some crime and many clues sprinkled throughout. Ruff is a great addition to the cast of characters and he definitely understands what's going on around him. He and Angela make a wonderful team as she's a private investigator that helps the police in her small town solve crimes.

There are family and friends, disagreements, small businesses, some romance and a lot of animals on Angela's hobby farm. The squirrel was an unexpected guest but important to the story.

It was a wonderful continuation of this mystery series. I like the characters we reunite with as well as some of the new additions. There is a good flow and attention is paid to the details. I figured out whodunnit before they did but it still held my interest throughout. There was closure with the solving of the crimes and the story wrapped up nicely. I can't wait to read the next adventures that Angela and Ruff get into. I like the title and the cover.

I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Angie’s very first official case helping the police as a PI. Angie took this job seriously as a good PI…right down to the car chase showdown which was pretty cool. As a side note, it was just too cute how she found out how David felt about her and realized she felt the same way.

I wasn’t sure I’d like Angie’s brother Will from just short mentions in the previous books, but he was an okay guy and very eager to prove his innocence to the town who seemed to believe he'd killed a guy he worked for nineteen years ago. Will and his sister made a good sleuthing team, and now that he decided what he really wanted to do, I’m happy Angie and her family are gonna get to see a lot more of him. The next book’s out so I’ll probably grab it from KU soon!

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. It just makes me smile. They’re nice quick easy reads.
Angela has started a detective agency and works with her trusty border collie, Ruff. Ruff is awesome.
In this installment, Angela’s brother is accused of murder and of course, Angela has to clear his name. We also have one more critter, the squirrel mentioned in the title.
I received this book as a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, how can you not love this cover? My Daisy dog has a running battle with our local sqirrel, who I've dubbed Nemesis, so there was no way I was going to resist this one. I'm hooked on the series although I am reading backwards, so to speak. My intro was the most recent book and I've worked my way backward to what is book three. This one serves the purpose of introducing Angela's wayward brother William to the book, adding a few jig saw pieces to the more current books where his long absence was addressed. Nicely done, too. I feel right at home with the cast of characters, from Angela and her feisty dog Ruff, to her mother, who suffers from early onset dementia. As one who has experienced dealing with dementia in the family, it's sobering but I'm glad the author is giving this horrible disease loving attention and showing its impact on the family.

As for the murder, it kept me guessing until the end. I knew, just knew it wasn't William, the prime suspect, but couldn't figure out who it was. Kudos to Ruff and P-Nutty the squirrel for being part of the investigation in their own ways, too. Angela is still early in her days as a private investigator, so she's still learning how to listen to her dog as well as gain the full trust of Police Chief Helbar. She wasn't expecting the prime suspect to be her own brother, though. Even worse, the evidence against him is mounting. How will she prove William's innocence as well as find the culprit that murdered reclusive millionaire Reginald Dean? Toss in taking care of her farm and critters as well as nursing the injured P-Nutty alongside of regular visits to her parents (her father is a retired cop), investigating, and, oh, maybe cultivating a romantic relationship and Angela is a busy woman.

Bottom line, a fun read with characters you'll feel comfortable with and look forward to meeting again in future books. There are multiple suspects and motives, red herrings and twists and turns in this nicely constructed plot. I enjoyed spending time with Angela.... well, when she isn't driving her truck almost beyond its capabilities ... and her family and friends. Nice to get William's background and reasons for leaving, too, one of the main pieces my "catch up reading" hadn't fully found until this book. So, jump in anywhere in the series, read forwards or backwards, or jump around. You'll enjoy your visit. Thanks #BookSirens for letting me be part of Angela and Ruff's world for awhile Treats for Ruff!

[Elaine LaBonte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wealthy local tycoon named Reginald Dean is beaten to death on his estate. The newly certified private investigator must stop her brother, William, from being arrested for the crime. Angela's best friend, a loyal border collie, Ruff McPaw, works with her. The wounded squirrel she saved, P. Nutty, helps her figure out what happened to Dean. The chief suspect is the P.I.'s brother. His bad reputation from when he was 20 years old still follows him. The good news is that Angela's relationship with the police has given her a great image, which helps her a lot in life.

Her loyal border collie, Ruff McPaw, lies beside her and smells the different hairy, furry, and feathery birds at her hobby pet rescue farm. Ruff sat up when Angela laughed. "I guess I should start a private investigation business," she thought. Getting my license meant figuring out two murders with the help of the cops. Angela told Ruff about her new business, which made him pay attention. Angela smiled at Ruff's happiness. "Looks like we have a new case on our hands, buddy," she said, stroking his head gently. They worked well together and were able to handle any problem.

At the request of the Chief of Police, Atkinson examined the motives behind the killer's actions, and a captivating tale unfolded. Dean may have had lingering problems with theft, bad business, and the fact that rich people are often killed for money. A chance break-in might not have worked. Was something taken? Find out how P. Nutty, a squirrel Angela rescued, helps break the case. The plot gets more tense and emotional when Angela's long-lost brother, William is rumored to be the primary suspect. Angela's good reputation from the past and Williams' bad reputation from the past affect her investigation into Dean's murder. I especially like the way the author shows how a person's past can affect whether they are seen as guilty or innocent. Can a 42-year-old woman, a semi-psychic dog, and a wounded squirrel solve a murder mystery that the police can't handle?

Max Parrott's book, Squirrel, Skip, Squabble, is a delightful tale that introduces readers to the lovable Luffy, a golden retriever who brings joy and excitement to Parrott's everyday life. Unlike other stories filled with mysterious adventures, this cozy book focuses on the value of life experience and hard work to gain success. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Ruff McPaw series that is a fun cozy mystery with a good main character in Angela Atkinson with her side kick and partner, Ruff her loyal and intelligent dog. Having received her PI license, she is called upon by the Chief and her police friend, Kimberly Dell to help with the investigation of the murder of the billionaire, Mr. Dean who lived in a large home next to Angela's little animal farm. The suspects are those that have dealt with Mr. Dean a well know cheapskate. These include his housekeeper, gardener, plumber, cleaning shop and auto mechanic. But they all seemed to have alibis. However, coincidentally Angela's brother, William who ran away at age seventeen and was a little bit of a delinquent returned to town. He had once worked as a high schooler for the millionaire. But he was gone for 20 years, why are anonymous tips name him as the potential murderer? Of course, Angela has to clear her brother's name knowing he didn't do it and although the police Chief believes her but he has to check William's alibi and it could take weeks tracking down toll booths that may have taken his picture as he went through. So it is up to Angela to find the real murderer. Add this to her mother suffering beginning dementia and her friends are trying to get her together with David a friend and teacher at the school. With so much happening at once and Angela trying to put the puzzle together to get her brother's name cleared, you just can't stop reading. This is a great series with very likeable characters and I can't wait to read more. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Atkinson gets an unexpected visit from Officer Kimberly Dell informing her of the murder of Reginald Dean, the millionaire who lived down the road from Angela's farm. His cleaning lady found him. They think he was bludgeoned to death the previous evening. When Angela goes to visit her parents, she learns that her younger brother, William, has returned home for the first time in almost 20 years. William had worked for Mr. Dean as an assistant gardener before leaving town all those years ago. The employees all seem to have verifiable alibis at the time of the murder and Dean was known for haggling with people about their prices. He was always looking for a discount, whether earned or not.

While David is visiting Angela, Ruff starts growling and heads toward the Dean mansion with David and Angela hot on his trail. Following the break-in at the Dean mansion and a couple of anonymous tips, William becomes Chief Helgar's prime suspect in the case. Angela becomes even more determined to solve the case and prove her brother's innocence.

Who killed Mr. Dean? Why was he killed? Why did William decide to return just now? Can Angela, Ruff and the police unravel the clues to discover the killer?

Max Parrott has another fantastic Ruff McPaw mystery with the latest adventure. He has realistic characters and believable situations that are sure to keep the reader guessing clear to the end. I am eagerly looking forward to the next story in this wonderful series.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-Stop Action in a small town!
This is another great addition to Ruff McPaw Mysteries, co-hosted with Angela as his guide! Angela is a good home-town private eye who started her business after working with the local sheriff for several cases. Ruff is her loving and capable side kick, who helps out in alot of ways, some no one really even knows about.
Angela's brother William shows up, after he left as a teenager without a trace to follow his dreams as an actor.... That is where the fun begins. William is being blamed for the millionaire's murder who lived close to Angela's house. It seams that he worked for Reginald Dean when he was a teenager, and Mr. Dean was a man who would squabble about the price of something, he always wanted to pay with a discount rather than full price. So, when tips started coming in to the police station pointing to William, as well as the Chief telling Angela that she needed to step away from this one due to things pointing to her brother... Angela knew that she would have to work to prove that it was not William, she just knows that he could not kill someone.
This story is great for all ages, would be good as a standalone, but so much better when read as a whole series.
Thank you, Max Parrott for another Great Story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be my last. I did think the squirrel was going to play a bigger role in the mystery, especially as he has such a prominent place on the cover and It is a fun cozy mystery but not as whacky as I was expecting. Having said all that I think the author played it right and the story was believable. I liked the characters who were like able but my heart did crack a bit with the struggles they are going through with the mother, a little to close to home. The mystery was good with a few suspects to keep you guessing. Going to check out the rest of the books in the series.
When the town's wealthiest resident is found dead and the news of Angela estranged brother suddenly turns up back in town fingers start to point. Angela might be to close to the case but with all the evidence pointing to her brother she has no choice but get involved. The man was rich for a reason and with no hires she focus on local businesses in town and people he tried to swindle. Can she find the really killer and why somebody might be trying to frame her brother? At the same time Angela has a sick squirrel to nurse back to health, can she crack the case?

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series that I've read and I have enjoyed them all.

Aside from being really good mysteries, I at first found it hard to believe that the story, and the MC, being a female, is written by a man. The whole story is written from basically her viewpoint. I have read other books with a female MC written by a man, and they just never rang true. And vice versa, male MCs written by women. It hasn't, in my opinion, gone over well at all. But Max does a great job doing Angela's viewpoint and seems to have a decent grasp of how a woman would talk, think, and feel.

This story has Angela helping the police find a man who has killed a millionaire. There's lots of red herrings in here and lots and lots of dead ends. But Angela manages to take fragmented pieces of the puzzle and put them together.

One thing I especially love about this series is the animals! Who doesn't love a cozy with animals??!!

I highly recommend this story. Loved it.
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving my honest review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squirrel Skip Squabble: A Cozy Animal Mystery is book #3 in the Ruff McPaw Mysteries series by Max Parrott.

Angela Atkinson is starting her new career as a private investigator. She gets involved in a murder investigation right away, but she isn’t expecting that her estranged brother will be a suspect.

I really like this series. As much as I love a good mystery, I need to enjoy the characters or I won’t want to spend a few hours of time with them. Angie and her family are wonderful characters and seeing how they handle her mom’s condition and her estranged brother feels real. I love all of Angie’s animals, including the rescued squirrel. It was an interesting case and I suspected who the guilty party was, but not the motive. I recommend this book.

I received a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Bette Reith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Squirrel Skip Squabble is the third book in the series, Ruff McPaw Mystery. It is a fun cozy series that has a dog, Ruff, helping to solve cases. In this book, a local millionaire has died, and Ruff and his owner, new PI Angela are on the case. It is hard to find clues as the victim was a recluse and hardly saw or spoke to anyone outside his mansion. He was a stingy man, known to haggle about pricing, and that is about all they know about him. So, who would kill him? That is up to Ruff and his sidekick Angela to figure out. A delightful, fast read. This book can stand on its own, but for a better flavor of the characters, reading the first two books is suggested. Looking forward to more. Thanks to BookSiren for the ARC of this book.

[Bookishdays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela is now a certified private investigator and she just started her business when the police asked her to help in a murder case. She and her loyal dog Ruff must try even harder this time because Angela's brother suddenly became the prime suspect.

This cozy mystery, set in a small town, is light and easy to read, there are a lot of suspects of the murder but we get to know every solid motive and alibis in a very relaxed way. Angela lives on a farm with lots of animals, which is a fun part of this series, I also like her friends, especially David (her love interest) and Megan.

Overall, a fun and quirky book where the dog is also a star.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the way Max Parrott spins a story! I think I’ve read almost everything he’s written and am always impressed! A man living not far from Angela’s farm is found murdered and robbed, but suspects and motives are not obvious. Angela, now a licensed PI decides to investigate, along with her faithful dog Ruff McPaw. Things really get on the wrong foot, when Angela’s brother, William, becomes the Chief’s main suspect! An exciting mystery with plenty of twists and turns! I received a free ARC of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off with a murder at the beginning. He was a millionaire who lived down the road from Angela, who is now a licensed private investigator. As always, she and her faithful sidekick, Ruff, are right there to help the police.

It seems all of the suspects have provable alibis. Now, what are the police going to do? Angela is still working hard trying to find more evidence. There are several twists and turns in this story.

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Squirrel Skip Squabble is Book 3 in the Ruff McPaw Mystery by Max Parrott. I find this series to be fun with enjoyable characters and a good story. Angela has her PI license and now works with the police on investigations, of course Ruff is right there to lend his doggy help. During book 3, Angela's brother, William, comes home for a visit… did William have anything to do with the murder of Mr Dean? I enjoyed this light hearted story. Ruff and Angela's rescue squirrel just might solve this murder. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squirrel Skip Squabble is the third installment of the Ruff McPaw mystery series exclusively written by Max Parrott. Max Parrott has written another fantastic Ruff McPaw mystery series addition with his latest adventure. He has great and realistic characters and having believable situations that are sure to keep the reader guessing clear to the end. I am eagerly looking forward to the next story in this wonderful series.

I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so twisted! I empathized with Will

(Angie's brother) . He comes back to town and a murder is pinned on him. Then anonymous tips come via a voice altered message accusing Will and they won't stop.

This is all too much for Angie and her family.

Who's framing will? Why are they picking on him? The night visits that Ruff alerts Angie to, and the same car they see racing away?

What's up? All great clues. Check it out. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely book, with a determined heroine making her way as a private investigator, backed up by her parents and sweet almost-boyfriend Dave. And her border collie Ruff is on the job as well, defending her farm and sniffing out clues (and squirrels). Good story, with lots of ideas as to the culprit but few leads which pan out - until the end, of course. A delightful series. I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Lonnia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Angela and Ruff's adventure. Her brother (William) she hasn't seen or heard from in 19 years comes home. A murder happens and someone accuses William and Angela is going to clear him. As usual with the help of Ruff she solves the mystery. The ending looks like maybe there will something between Angela and David. Looking forward to reading the next book.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book in the series. Angie is taking her first case as PI supporting the police, and Ruff is by her side.

Great characters with an engaging storyline keep you glued to the book, and make you smile throughout. Really fun to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Love the animals with character included in the story along with Ruff. I really enjoy Max's stories. They are great mysteries with some fun (and sometimes) romance and family stuff happening too!

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Angela and Ruff have become 2 of my favourite characters. Angela is on the case, trying to figure out who murdered Mr. Dean. She has to prove that her brother, William, didn't do it. Can't wait for the next case.

[Dennis R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast moving !

Another lovable installment in this series. this book has it all. It has endearing characters. Lots of Laugh out loud humor.
It has Romance. And this one has a lovable little squirrel who helps. Plus It Kept me guessing right till the end !

[Kirsten Ensman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

Ruff is best sniffing dog ever! Its a mystery that is hard to solve especially when its full of lies, rumors and mis direction. A car chase brings the murderer to justice! Go ruff go. A cute squirrel helps find the murder weapon but gets no credit! Lol

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable and suspenseful. Angela figured her life would be more peaceful now that she’s retired. What a surprise, definitely not. A murder, her brother accused. Now she’ll have to try and solve the crime. Easy reading.

[Edith Meza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book!

I was expecting a lightweight story, but this well written story is great! A lot of action, and a crime to solve. And let me not forget Ruff, the police school dropout. Turns out he was he was pretty slick.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great novel I enjoyed reading this book it is a great book to read this novel got a great storyline very well written a page turner I really enjoyed this novel

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book by author Max Parrott.
Angela is a wonderful character. Loved reading this book…

[Mary Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An antique car owner is murdered

Angie's neighbor is murdered. Her brother is under suspicion. Angie tries everything to clear her brother. David is her knight in shining armor.