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Dusty Paws Mysteries #2
Murder and Macaw: an Animal Cozy Mystery
Mystery • Animals • Romance
Embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of Raton, where Natalie's world revolves around Dusty Paws Kennel—a sanctuary for playful puppies and contented cats. Just as she anticipates a romantic date with the mysterious Jake Dwyer, the quaint town is shaken by the sudden death of Old Man Willard.
Their first date takes an unexpected detour into the realms of love and mystery, amplifying the stakes in "Murder and Macaw." As Natalie inherits Old Man Willard's macaw, her life takes an unforeseen turn, injecting an extra dose of excitement into her already eventful existence.
In this gripping sequel, the romance between Natalie and Sheriff Jake blossoms amidst the chaos of solving a murder, raising the stakes to unprecedented heights. The enthralling adventure unfolds as Natalie confronts external dangers and grapples with internal battles, and the awakening of her own heart.
Will she trust her instincts to unravel the secrets that threaten Raton?
"Murder and Macaw" beckons you into a tale where suspense dances with tender care for creatures big and small, all against the backdrop of a town teeming with animal antics.
Brace yourself for a captivating sequel that invites you to discover the courage that meets curiosity. Don't miss out—grab your copy now and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing twists and turns of this thrilling mystery!
Embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of Raton, where Natalie's world revolves around Dusty Paws Kennel—a sanctuary for playful puppies and contented cats. Just as she anticipates a romantic date with the mysterious Jake Dwyer, the quaint town is shaken by the sudden death of Old Man Willard.
Their first date takes an unexpected detour into the realms of love and mystery, amplifying the stakes in "Murder and Macaw." As Natalie inherits Old Man Willard's macaw, her life takes an unforeseen turn, injecting an extra dose of excitement into her already eventful existence.
In this gripping sequel, the romance between Natalie and Sheriff Jake blossoms amidst the chaos of solving a murder, raising the stakes to unprecedented heights. The enthralling adventure unfolds as Natalie confronts external dangers and grapples with internal battles, and the awakening of her own heart.
Will she trust her instincts to unravel the secrets that threaten Raton?
"Murder and Macaw" beckons you into a tale where suspense dances with tender care for creatures big and small, all against the backdrop of a town teeming with animal antics.
Brace yourself for a captivating sequel that invites you to discover the courage that meets curiosity. Don't miss out—grab your copy now and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing twists and turns of this thrilling mystery!
- GenresCozy Mystery
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2024
70 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Verena DeLuca
43 books957 followersVerena DeLuca is a pen name for the life partner duo Sabetha Danes & NAK Baldron. When we’re not homeschooling our artistic daughter, we spend our afternoons arguing the finer details of books. Failing that, we can be found walking the many nature trails around our home.
Marble Falls is an actual tourist destination an hour west of Austin, Texas, that we’re proud to call home. While Aconite Cafe isn’t an actual coffee shop, it is the name of our publishing company. We love coffee nearly as much as Hailey, though we’ve been known to break the cardinal rule and drink tea.
Azure is based on our cat James, who’s just as snarky.
Marble Falls is an actual tourist destination an hour west of Austin, Texas, that we’re proud to call home. While Aconite Cafe isn’t an actual coffee shop, it is the name of our publishing company. We love coffee nearly as much as Hailey, though we’ve been known to break the cardinal rule and drink tea.
Azure is based on our cat James, who’s just as snarky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 19, 2025
Murder and secrets
I was so looking forward to Natalie and Jake’s second adventure but I fear this book suffers from sophomore slump. Forgive the mixed metaphors. This is an animal cozy but other than the odd mention of Polly (the macaw) here and there it’s not really animal forward like the first book. Also there are continuity issues. Jake and Natalie go to talk to Lisa who gives them a clue which leads the, to follow up with Shannon who then divulges something that leaves them needing to talk to Lisa again. A bit confusing but makes sense with the interconnected nature of the plot and people in the flats. The issue comes in when this all happens on the same night but when they go back to Lisa’s it’s like they were never there before. Also and this may just be a pet peeve of mine but there is over use of words like unravel. The author is amping up the drama and that just takes me right out. Again this may just be me but it’s irksome. I did like that Natalie and Jake are developing into a serious couple.
Did I like the story for the most part yes. I just felt that it was a little more disjointed and it felt more like a first book than book one in the series did.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was so looking forward to Natalie and Jake’s second adventure but I fear this book suffers from sophomore slump. Forgive the mixed metaphors. This is an animal cozy but other than the odd mention of Polly (the macaw) here and there it’s not really animal forward like the first book. Also there are continuity issues. Jake and Natalie go to talk to Lisa who gives them a clue which leads the, to follow up with Shannon who then divulges something that leaves them needing to talk to Lisa again. A bit confusing but makes sense with the interconnected nature of the plot and people in the flats. The issue comes in when this all happens on the same night but when they go back to Lisa’s it’s like they were never there before. Also and this may just be a pet peeve of mine but there is over use of words like unravel. The author is amping up the drama and that just takes me right out. Again this may just be me but it’s irksome. I did like that Natalie and Jake are developing into a serious couple.
Did I like the story for the most part yes. I just felt that it was a little more disjointed and it felt more like a first book than book one in the series did.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2025
Natalie is the owner of Dusty Paws kennel and rescue and while rescuing an elderly Macaw whose owner had recently passed away, she finds herself right in the middle of a murder investigation.
The local Sheriff, Jake Dwyer, and Natalie embark on, “a whodunit,” investigation and uncover more than they bargained for! Did the Macaw witness a murder? Is it going to spill the beans?
This is book two of seven and centers around the growing relationship between Natale and Jake while they team up to solve a new mystery. The writing was fine, but I struggled with the lack of character development of the many people involved in this story. There’s a lover’s triangle which was a little strange and convoluted, and the ending was rather abrupt. This is a short book, so an additional chapter could have easily been added to bring more depth to the characters and lend it a more cohesive ending.
If you love cozy mysteries, romance, and animal rescues this is a book and series for you.
The local Sheriff, Jake Dwyer, and Natalie embark on, “a whodunit,” investigation and uncover more than they bargained for! Did the Macaw witness a murder? Is it going to spill the beans?
This is book two of seven and centers around the growing relationship between Natale and Jake while they team up to solve a new mystery. The writing was fine, but I struggled with the lack of character development of the many people involved in this story. There’s a lover’s triangle which was a little strange and convoluted, and the ending was rather abrupt. This is a short book, so an additional chapter could have easily been added to bring more depth to the characters and lend it a more cohesive ending.
If you love cozy mysteries, romance, and animal rescues this is a book and series for you.
May 21, 2024
This is the second book in this series and I’m really enjoying getting to know the characters better! Natalie is handling the day to day business of her Dusty Paws kennel and sanctuary. She now has a fainting goat named Socrates and a sick pig, livestock she hadn’t intended to acquire. And then Sheriff Jake calls her to another death and asks her to take charge of Old Man Willard’s colorful macaw. A grieving macaw, who keeps pitifully calling Willard all the way home! When it turns out that Willard was murdered, Natalie works closely with Jake to solve the murder, and they draw closer romantically. It’s a complicated mess of interwoven love lives between 4 people, and difficult to untangle! I received a free ARC of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.
June 11, 2024
his is the third book I have read in the series and am really enjoying all the things that Natalie and the sheriff seem to get caught up in. Natalie is very lucky to have such good employee who can look after the business and the sanctuary while she is helping the sheriff with his problems. I am glad that Natalie and the sheriff have been able to get to know each other and have fallen in love even with everything that is going on around them. There was alot of twist and turns regarding this murder and it took right to the end to figure out who was the murderer. I will be recommend this series to all my friends who enjoy a good cozy mystery.
July 15, 2024
I assumed that the second book in the series would be better, but it was not.
As Natalie's and Jake's relationship progresses, Jake starts giving her access and approval to meddle in a murder investigation, which is something I really didn't understand. The couple acted more like 20 year olds rather than 30s and 50s.
Also, the author tried to make the mystery more confusing by adding so many affairs that it was just plain mockery. The characters kept getting shocked at something they were told just on a previous page and it felt that Natalie was the detective and Jack a sidekick.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As Natalie's and Jake's relationship progresses, Jake starts giving her access and approval to meddle in a murder investigation, which is something I really didn't understand. The couple acted more like 20 year olds rather than 30s and 50s.
Also, the author tried to make the mystery more confusing by adding so many affairs that it was just plain mockery. The characters kept getting shocked at something they were told just on a previous page and it felt that Natalie was the detective and Jack a sidekick.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2024
I liked the book, and I really love the main characters but the love square (gotta read it to understand) was too much for me. It reminded me of when my son was younger and I referred to his life as the continuing saga of As the Trailer Park Turns.
But I did not guess who did it and I consider that a plus. I like when the author surprises me.
I was hoping to get more of Polly as I own a macaw myself, but she only had a bit part after her introduction in the book.
I did enjoy the developing romance between Natalie and Jake. And I will look for book 3 in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
But I did not guess who did it and I consider that a plus. I like when the author surprises me.
I was hoping to get more of Polly as I own a macaw myself, but she only had a bit part after her introduction in the book.
I did enjoy the developing romance between Natalie and Jake. And I will look for book 3 in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2024
Fantastic!! A little bit of romance with your murder anyone??? This was great. It kept me turning pages and thinking. Of course, I was going off in the wrong direction, but it was fun none the less. This was complex and multilayered with twists and turns I love to follow. I suspected everyone, and that's why I'm an armchair sleuth where I'm safe and others are safe from my irrational guesses. Lol. I really got into this one with both feet and immensely enjoyed this new to me author. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
June 8, 2024
An entertaining cozy murder mystery, second in a series. Natalie is an animal lover with a rescue farm and a kennel business in addition to being an amateur sleuth. She is a likeable character as is her boyfriend, Jake, the sheriff. Her and Jake work together to solve the small Raton, NM community's crime cases. The story moved along quickly and I thought it was a good balance between the murder mystery and the many characters' developing relationships.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 9, 2024
This is the second book in this series and I liked the character development that happened in this book. It didn't hurt that Natalie's love life got a boost as well.
Natalie and Jake admit their attraction and, fortunately, it works well for their crime solving skills.
The mystery in this book is a convoluted web of four lives and each revelation gets them a little closer to the truth and there is a macaw in the mix as well. I also like the development with Mike and his daughter, Sandi.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Natalie and Jake admit their attraction and, fortunately, it works well for their crime solving skills.
The mystery in this book is a convoluted web of four lives and each revelation gets them a little closer to the truth and there is a macaw in the mix as well. I also like the development with Mike and his daughter, Sandi.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 15, 2024
Natalie and Jake are back with another murder in Raton. This time the murder involves people living in the Flats, a place for people that don't fit in with "normal" society. But Natalie's kindness wins over the people so they talk to her and help the two of them get to the bottom of a convoluted murder. Behind the scenes their romance is blooming. Natalie has Sandi living with her and doing so much better, but Sandi still has many challenges that Natalie and Jake are there to help her with. Small town feeling are felt throughout the story and how we must all take care of own. Book 3 awaits.
June 28, 2024
Wow, this is one incredible romance mystery murder with an array of vibrant, colorful, quirky characters that are brought to life and bringing you right into the tale as though you are just as much part of it. Though the characters draw you in it's a convoluted plot involving, deep secrets, betrayals, hidden agendas ,love , life long friendships, new forging ,deep sadness and murder. Acquire " Murder and Macaw " the second book in the Dusty Paws Mysteries for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
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February 22, 2025
Descriptive
While this might have been a good cozy mystery, I kept getting bogged down in the of the descriptions; feelings, scenes, senses. I my opinion, it was ovetwhelming the dialog and action. Plus the connection to the macaw, while prominent at first, lamely faded to the background. And allowing Natalie access to the investigation and arrest seems so against police procedure. If there was a reason from previous books, it was not apparent here. I did appreciate the information about Raton. While this writing style may appeal to others, it's not for me.
While this might have been a good cozy mystery, I kept getting bogged down in the of the descriptions; feelings, scenes, senses. I my opinion, it was ovetwhelming the dialog and action. Plus the connection to the macaw, while prominent at first, lamely faded to the background. And allowing Natalie access to the investigation and arrest seems so against police procedure. If there was a reason from previous books, it was not apparent here. I did appreciate the information about Raton. While this writing style may appeal to others, it's not for me.
March 8, 2025
Murder and Macaw
I'm having a difficult time rating this book, I really was into it in the beginning. At first the interaction had me pleasantly surprised, finally a sheriff who wasn't confrontational about help. I bit later I had to ask myself if he was actually in charge of the investigation. However I do plan on reading the first book after I developed a few background questions. The Vietnam Veterans involvement was of great interest but the plot became muddled and bogged down. This was a new to me setting and it's history and description was great.
I'm having a difficult time rating this book, I really was into it in the beginning. At first the interaction had me pleasantly surprised, finally a sheriff who wasn't confrontational about help. I bit later I had to ask myself if he was actually in charge of the investigation. However I do plan on reading the first book after I developed a few background questions. The Vietnam Veterans involvement was of great interest but the plot became muddled and bogged down. This was a new to me setting and it's history and description was great.
January 12, 2026
A Love Quadrangle? Murder and ...
I really enjoyed this book. There is a lot going on, several stories. The animal shelter, friends in the small community, taking in a teenage girl who needs stability while her alcoholic father goes to rehab, old friends with hidden past and current secrets lead to a lot of heartache and murder. Plus there are the adorable animals and a quirky Macaw to add a little levity when needed. I haven't used names or given specifics because they would take away the fun of you finding out for yourself. Enjoy!
I really enjoyed this book. There is a lot going on, several stories. The animal shelter, friends in the small community, taking in a teenage girl who needs stability while her alcoholic father goes to rehab, old friends with hidden past and current secrets lead to a lot of heartache and murder. Plus there are the adorable animals and a quirky Macaw to add a little levity when needed. I haven't used names or given specifics because they would take away the fun of you finding out for yourself. Enjoy!
May 23, 2024
Natalie owns Dusty Paws Kennels. Natalie has a fainting goat and a sick pig. She is then asked to take on a dead man’s grieving macaw. Her first date with the sheriff Jake ends in a murder investigation. The two have to find the murderer while enjoying their relationship. This was a very good read and hard to figure out the murderer. There were a lot of twist and turns to the story.
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
May 31, 2024
Romance is in the air, Jake and Natalie have a date. Add in a murder, a new bird for Natalie along with all the other animals at the sanctuary with some twists to the storyline and you have this book. I enjoyed it and will keep reading the series, but there are some proofreading errors and that takes away from the book for me. I hope to see better proofreading in the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2024
Small town secrets!
Another thoroughly enjoyable story with Natalie, the owner of Dusty Paws Kennel and Sanctuary, investigating a murder alongside Sheriff Jake. Small town secrets are gradually revealed that complicate the investigation and lead to several suspects. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Another thoroughly enjoyable story with Natalie, the owner of Dusty Paws Kennel and Sanctuary, investigating a murder alongside Sheriff Jake. Small town secrets are gradually revealed that complicate the investigation and lead to several suspects. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.
August 5, 2024
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. A great second book in a fast read clean cozy series. Natalie is helping her boyfriend, the sheriff, find a murderer while she needs to find a home for a macaw. We see the deepening of her friendship with Liz,Sandi and her boyfriend Jake. This book had lots of red herrings and Dusty Paw Sanctuary seems like a great place for animals to visit while their owners are away.
April 20, 2024
Murder & Macau is book 2 in the Dusty Paws Mystery Series by Verena DeLuca. I enjoyed this book and series. Natalie and Jake are great characters and I think the cozy mystery is a well written murder mystery with animals and an interesting story. I found Murder & Macau to be a pleasant way to escape into a good mystery. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 21, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really like the book. I will recommend this books to my friends. With secrets and a love triangle going on, someone is going to get hurt or murdered. Glad Natalie and Jake can solve another murder and to see where their new relationship will go.
July 27, 2024
Natalie and Jake are hard at investigating the death in the flats. Kathryn is busy running Dusty Paws and Sandi is getting reacquainted with her dad after his rehab. We are introduced to new characters in Raton and more to come in the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2024
Murder and Macaw: An Animal Cozy Mystery is book #2 in the Dusty Paws Mysteries series by Verena DeLuca.
I enjoyed this book. Natalie and Jake’s relationship is progressing and there is another murder for them to work on. I felt so sorry for Polly, the macaw owned by the victim. Her calling out “Willard” was so sad.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book. Natalie and Jake’s relationship is progressing and there is another murder for them to work on. I felt so sorry for Polly, the macaw owned by the victim. Her calling out “Willard” was so sad.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2024
Natalie is taking care of her sanctuary ranch and her Dusty Paws kennels while trying to romance Jake the local sheriff. With date night coming up Jake calls her out to old man Willards place where he had been murdered to take care of his pet parrot. Thus begins an investigation with many on again off again suspects and love entanglements. Great reading
May 1, 2024
Jake and Natalie work together to solve a murder. It’s a complicated case. This is an entertaining and cozy murder mystery with a touch of romance and nice characters. I realty liked it.
I received a review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received a review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
May 26, 2024
I loved this book. This book was the second book in this series. I love watching the characters grow and progress through this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 3, 2024
A different rescue for Natalie! I love Macaws and Polly is an absolute delight! I am happy the Jake has accepted Natalie’s help in solving the mysteries. They are a wonderful couple and I think they should start their own detective agency. This was fun to read and I loved it!
June 13, 2024
I enjoyed this second book in this series, it has an entertaining storyline and well written developing characters. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
June 14, 2024
The Cookie Dough Detectives
I’m glad I didn’t let the less than stellar first book keep me from continuing the series because this one, while not perfect, is a well told story with great character development.
I’m glad I didn’t let the less than stellar first book keep me from continuing the series because this one, while not perfect, is a well told story with great character development.
July 8, 2024
Natalie runs a animal sanctuary and boards cats and dogs. She is called to pick up a Macaw the owner just died and it was not natural causes. Jake a police officer along with Natalie investigate the case. This was a really great story and I recommend it.
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July 17, 2024I really liked this mystery with Natalie and Jake. These two really took us on a journey to solve this mystery and it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed it a lot. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews