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Spellbound Hound #5

Dem Bones, Dem Bones

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Toby, a schnauzer-collie-whippet-terrier-thingie, is not averse to gnawing on a chunky bone ...

But even he draws the line when it's a knee bone … connected to the thigh bone ... of a zombie!

When a zombie infection begins to spread around town, anyone with half a brain would stay indoors. Right? But Toby, a dog with a brain the size of a small planet, has been summoned to assist a Yorkshire terrier friend whose owner appears to be the source of the outbreak. Toby can’t turn his back on an old mate, even if that means putting his own favourite human at risk of infection.

Toby and Clarissa have their work cut out if they want to prevent the multiplication of zombies while simultaneously nipping a sudden stench of corruption in the bud!

A paranormal cozy animal mystery containing shenanigans, magic and chaos with our favourite spellbound hound!

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2023

32 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

About the author

Jeannie Wycherley

70 books168 followers

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5 stars
116 (81%)
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23 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews367 followers
December 20, 2023
A Mystery Indeed !! . . .

Toby, a multi-mix breed schnauzer-collie-whippet-terrier and his reporter witch Clarissa are facing a zombie epidemic! Where are they coming from? Can they be stopped before they take over the entire town? And why does Toby want a shed as his office??
Profile Image for Linda Park.
36 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2024
I want a wizard dog

Even better than the puppy caper, this one has zombies, plus Mrs Crouch, Ed, and a few new friends. And it's a quick read! Better grab it on your Kindle unlimited plan.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books32 followers
November 9, 2025
This is another weird and wacky adventure with the spellbound hound, Toby. This book has a lot more involvement with Clarissa then the previous book but most of the story is still from the perspective of Toby the dog. I loved the first few chapters with Toby setting up his spellbound investigation office and then things take more of a super natural feel and they start investigating. Yes I Know a talking dog designing and decorating his own shed could be classified as super natural but I am talking about zombies. Don't worry this is a cozy mystery,so there is no violence or gross stuff to put you off, in fact I actually felt sorry for the inflected and like Toby hoped for a happy ending. The mystery took a while for them to start investigating, despite them knowing about the zombies, but in a weird way the story worked and I was happy with the way everything played out. I am off to start the next book.

When Toby sees an advert for a free shed he knows he has found his offices for his new budding business The spellbound investigations. The roof will provide him the height he needs to join in the twilight barking and he can then stay in touch with other k-9's. He just has to convince his owner, which proves to be no problem for a wizard dog. The first message he receives is from an old friend who's human is acting strange and he needs Toby's help. His owner is definitely not himself, in fact Toby quickly works out he is a zombie and with the infection spreading things are going from bad to worse. Toby needs Clarissa's help but will she get infected too? Can the two of them find the source of the infection and help the infected or will things be taken out of there hands ...paws?
The narrator has a lot of fun with this story and I think by trying to provide the characters all with different voices he comes up with some funny and interesting ones, that just makes the story memorable.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Catrina.
506 reviews82 followers
December 3, 2025
Jeannie Wycherley delivers another enchanting installment in the Spellbound Hound Magic and Mystery series with "Dem Bones, Dem Bones". This story pulls you right back into Toby’s world, blending humor, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural in a way that feels fresh and engaging. The premise of a mysterious zombie-like sickness affecting the elderly is both intriguing and chilling, setting the stage for a race against time that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Toby and Clarissa make such a dynamic duo—loyal, clever, and full of personality. Their investigation is packed with twists and turns, and the way they tackle each challenge shows just how much heart this series has. The pacing is excellent, with moments of tension balanced by lighter, witty exchanges that remind you why these characters are so lovable.

David Winter’s narration is, as always, a perfect match for the tone of the story. His ability to bring Toby’s voice to life and capture the nuances of every character adds an extra layer of enjoyment. The performance is smooth, expressive, and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in the magical world Wycherley has created.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, this book is a must-listen. It’s clever, fun, and full of heart—everything you could want in an audiobook.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
820 reviews30 followers
December 22, 2023
Answering an urgent call from his friend Sparky, Toby, the spellbound hound, & Clarissa, his witch human, find Sparky’s dad seriously ill. Slightly green, lurching, saying braiiins, Old Pete seems to have become a zombie. Before Clarissa can figure out what to do, Pete hops the bus and goes to the local drugstore. Clarissa and Toby get him home and feed him tea and Paracetamol. Crisis averted, or is it? Unfortunately, it seems the zombie virus is contagious, although seemingly only infecting older people. They start congregating at a construction site where the Palais used to be and are having nightly zombie dance parties. Clarissa’s journalistic coverage of the phenomenon brings the attention of the Home Office. Soon there’s a coverup in effect. But Toby & Clarissa won’t stop until the truth is exposed. And maybe once all the hubbub calms down, Toby can get his new office shed completed.

Dem Bones, Dem Bones is a fun mystery from Jeannie Wycherley. Toby, intelligent and loyal, makes a great partner to Clarissa. His spells and resourcefulness certainly save the day. Can be enjoyed as a stand alone story, but you’re sure to want more of Toby’s adventures.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,151 reviews
November 5, 2025
AH!
Toby [narrated by the brilliant David Winter] is back and I couldn’t be happier to hear this installment come alive.

Written in third-person, past tense.
Told in Toby’s POV. (Magical!!)

That ratchet pointy woman is still on the loose, but it’s not the only thing he has going on now, is it? Also: Toby is so wise, honestly. People should slow down and listen to his philosophies—but I digress!


🥪 Mysteries.
🐾 Slice-of-life vibes, from a canine POV.
🥪 Small town life.
🐾 Adventure.
🥪 Magic.
🐾 A very fun community construction project.
🥪 Set in/around East Devon, UK.
🐾 Witches.
🥪 Zombies.
🐾 Lovable dogs, everywhere.
🥪 Mention of familiar places & characters. 😉


Overall:
An intriguing cozy mystery, wrapped up in small town, fairytale vibes and magic, that I could not put down. Absolutely brilliant writing, as always—I’ll never tire of Toby’s POV.

5 stars.



🎧ྀི Audio:
This is an absolutely flawless audio production, with perfect narration. Winter brings Toby to life perfectly and the moment his voice came on, I found myself right back in Toby’s world. All the stars.
Profile Image for Toni.
2,410 reviews23 followers
December 23, 2023
Clarissa is working away at her newspaper job with her dog,Toby,relaxing on the floor. Toni is checking out the poster and sees an advertisement for a shed for free and convinced her to get it for him. After it's at her place he tells her what he hopes to do to it. After he convinced her to put a ladder up he gets her help to go to the roof of the shed where he hears the night yowls of the other fights. He gets an SOS from a friend and talks Clarissa into taking him somewhere. When they arrive there his friend tells him about his his "daddy" is not himself. After getting Clarissa inside to help she's almost attacked by the old man. Toby's first thought and yell if "ZOMBIE!!!!" What has she and Toby gotten into? Is it the zombie apocalypse?? Will they find the answer without being infected!?!?
A cute story that will keep the reader enthralled!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,029 reviews41 followers
June 1, 2024
Our hero dog is on the case and he has a bone to pick with someone. He is going to have to put his keens senses to the test to figure out who is behind this particular mystery.

This is book five in the series. Each book is written as a standalone.

This is a magical cozy mystery with a dog as our main character and sleuth. The story is well written and easy to read with a somewhat usual point of view.
As with these types of stories, it is loaded with fun and interesting characters as well as unusual situations, but that just makes it more fun. I quite enjoyed this one and look forward to more adventures with out hero-dog.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,683 reviews239 followers
December 7, 2025
Toby and Clarissa are back together and solving a brand new case. With the help of Toby's other canine friends. I have really grown close to Toby and Clarissa. Toby has really got a nose for solving mysteries. He is a bonafide true detective at this point. The way and he and Clarissa interact with each other is great. They know what the other one is saying. These zombies are no match for Toby and friends. I was very drawn to the mystery of the zombies.

David Winter again does a great job of narrating this book. I have come to really enjoy just having a singular voice for all the characters...male and female. He does have a good range of voices to identify all of the various characters. I look forward to the next mystery involving Toby and friends.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,938 reviews9 followers
December 22, 2023
Dem Bones, Dem Bones: A Paranormal Cozy Animal Mystery is book #5 in the Spellbound Hound Magic and Mystery series by Jeannie Wycherley.

There is a zombie outbreak and Toby and Clarissa are investigating. Can the town be saved?

This was the first book I’ve read in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Toby is something else. He and Clarissa are a good team. There were some humorous moments in the book which I appreciated. I was completely surprised at the guilty party. I plan to read the earlier book to catch up on this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,289 reviews44 followers
January 15, 2024
What's not to love about a book that involves witches, a wizardy dog and ZOMBIES! Toby, the schnauzer-whippet-terrier mix, is determined to have a shed in Clarissa's backyard, but first he has to solve the mystery of what is causing hoomans to turn into zombies!

If you enjoy cozy mysteries that feature a bit of magic, animals and tons of fun, you will enjoy this book. A great lighthearted book that will have you laughing at Toby and Clarissa's antics as you follow along with their quest to help those affected by this zombie outbreak.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
28 reviews
March 21, 2024
A fresh, funny series!

For those who like stories told from an animal’s perspective, you’ll love Toby and his friends. Toby is a good boy who is no stranger to the supernatural. When his human is murdered, he’s sent to the pound from which he eventually escapes. He goes home, and soon after, his old human’s granddaughter claims the house and their adventures begin. Fighting evil witches, making friends (leashed and unleashed), rescuing stolen puppies, and reporting stories for the magical newspapers keep Toby and Clarissa busy! Add Toby’s growing powers to the mix, and the magic flies!
2,093 reviews9 followers
November 9, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed this story as much as the others in the series. I was amused by the concept of zombies in a cozy mystery. I was entertained by the story being told through Toby's point of view. One of the things I liked the most was the magical relationship between Clarissa and Toby which allowed them to speak to one another. I thought this story was charming because of the magic and supernatural elements, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought David Winter's narration was delightful. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
6,044 reviews46 followers
December 12, 2023
A very gifted and intelligent pup interested in furthering his studies gets tangled in a mixup of illness and power struggles

together with his witch, and sometimes with friends, neighbors and Others, Toby manages to get himself into scrapes, attempting to help folks and their pet companions, and deal with crazy bureaucratic efforts to spin irregularities

a wise pup, an emotional witch, and some eighties retro zombie dancing- so wacky fun reading that also manages to poke some fun and insights at government wonkiness
1,421 reviews11 followers
December 14, 2023
Toby decides he wants a shed as an office - and when that adventure in interrupted by Sparky, they find that Sparky's Dad has become a zombie. The town appears to be infected by them - will Clarissa and Toby be able to save them all? What does Raine have to do with it all? This story has everything - easy to read, great characters, lots of twists and turns and a few smiles! Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,223 reviews75 followers
December 21, 2023
Toby a Heinz variety mixed breed and his owner , a reporter and witch Clarissa have their work cut out getting to the bottom of this mystery. Zombie infection is spreading through town and they need to cut the spread , find out where it came from and stop the chaos and the culprit from further damage doing. Great immersive cosy mystery with bite , excuse the agnawing pun ….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kestrelmorn Geiger.
132 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2023
Another hit by Jeannie Wycherley! Our spellbound hound, Toby, is getting smarter and smarter, as only an aspiring wizard should. This adventure has him roaming the neighborhoods off and on leash, while a sinister plot is making the senior 'hoomans' in the area become ill and begin acting strange. It will take both Toby and his special hooman, Clarissa, to solve the mystery and save the town's elders from the evil disease.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,754 reviews31 followers
December 23, 2023
I loved visiting Toby and Clarissa again and boy do they have a bone to pick with who ever caused the situation the town is in!
This is one whacky adventure and mystery that has you giggle or shake your head at times with the goings on, but I knew Toby, Clarissa and others would work it out just like they have in the past.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
899 reviews
January 13, 2026
Audiobook review:
This is a very entertaining and fun story. Toby is a magical dog able to communicate with witches and cast spells. He manages to find the most unusual cases to get involved with and drag his human, Clarissa, with him to investigate. This story involves Zombies! The narrator is growing on me. I listened at 1.7 speed. He is easy to understand.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and an voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,431 reviews88 followers
December 22, 2023
Set aside a day for this delightfully light-hearted family-friendly zombie cozy mystery set in Sunny Valley, East Dorset, England in late summer when Toby Silverwind helps out his friend Sparky and Clarissa does her job as a reporter for The Celestine Times.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,350 reviews8 followers
December 23, 2023
A truly curious case! This one involves the hooman of Toby’s friend Sparky, Mr Sharpy. A bunch of people become zombies. It is up to Toby and Clarissa to get to the bottom of it. I did laugh out loud several times at the predicament that the zombies are found in. This was an entertaining mystery and I loved reading it!
Profile Image for Pam Bales.
2,562 reviews12 followers
April 14, 2024
Another keeper.
Toby and Clarissa add to their garden - an, eventually, beautiful Wizard shed for Toby where he plans to learn more wizardry and teach others what he has learned. This series is a great read. Lovely animals, good and bad witches, bad and good regular people, and exciting plots all provide a satisfactory read. Highly recommend!
2,345 reviews6 followers
April 20, 2024
An unusual zombie book. Zombies are appearing in Toby's town, and they are partying at night. Clarissa and Toby investigate who is creating zombies. I like the plot , characters , and humor. How the culprit is apprehend surprised me. I like how Clarissa and Toby love and respect each other. This is a good series.
2,113 reviews6 followers
February 5, 2026
Dem Bones, Dem Bones book 5 in the Spellbound Hound Magic and Mystery series by Jeannie Wycherley a fabulously entertaining fun story, loved it! David Winter does a good job in voicing the different characters. I'm looking forward to book 6. Highly recommend.

I received an ARC from StoryOrigin and I'm leaving my review freely.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,794 reviews9 followers
April 6, 2024
The Best!

Toby is so awesome! Even with this twisted outbreak, he still comes through and saves the day! And what he did to save himself and Clarissa? OMG! Magnificent! He is definitely going to make a great wizard!
22 reviews
November 16, 2025
Something is turning elderly people into zombies and congregating at an abandoned dance hall. Clarissa & Toby start investigating the cause and hope for cure. Great story with wonderful funny and quirky characters. The narration is outstanding.
1,415 reviews9 followers
December 15, 2023
Who is behind all this and why??? Thank you Toby!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
194 reviews
December 16, 2023
So Readable

If you like cosies with talking dog and an intrepid investigating reporter you will love this. Lots of twists and turns some very unexpected. I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for April Cothern.
205 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2023
Cute

These are cute books In a fun series. I really enjoy them. I mean you can't really go wrong with a cheeky talking dog though can you?
8 reviews
March 3, 2025
Love Toby!

Toby is a special Schnauzer thingy boy. Love his exploits with his hooman! You will, too, if you dive into this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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