Trouble Afoot at the Three Hounds Bakery

Three Hounds Bakery #1

by Julie Titterington

American Writing Awards Mystery Finalist, 2024
Literary Titan Gold Medal Winner

"...a delightful mix of suspense, charm, and heart. Mystery fans will devour it..." - Thomas Anderson, with Literary Titan

"...hilarious, heartwarming, whimsical, and full of surprises..." - Nino Lobiladze, with Readers' Favorite

Welcome to The Three Hounds Bakery, where sweet treats and secrets mix, and every wag of the tail might lead to danger!

When mystery novelist Willa Lattner inherits her great-aunt Mina’s charming bakery in the coastal town of Humboldt Cove, she expects to find solace in new friends, fresh air, and all the pastries she can eat. Instead, she’s met with a trio of heartbroken dachshunds and an unsettling mystery surrounding Mina’s sudden death.

As Willa digs into her aunt’s legacy, she uncovers a web of old grudges and hidden agendas lurking beneath the bakery’s warm facade. With each clue, the stakes rise, and she realizes that someone is desperate to keep the past buried—at any cost.

With her clever canines by her side, Willa must navigate quirky neighbors, mend a tattered reputation, and uncover dark secrets. Can she piece together the puzzle before the killer strikes again, or will her first adventure be her last?

Trouble Afoot at The Three Hounds Bakery is a deliciously twisty mystery full of memorable characters, cozy peril, and non-stop dachshund fun.

"...a wonderfully lighthearted, cozy mystery with plenty of fun and intrigue." - Anne-Marie Reynolds, with Readers' Favorite

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

383 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2024

About the author

Julie Titterington is an author, essayist, and editor who lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley. When she's not hanging out with her husband and three children, she can be found baking, eating, and reading mysteries from the Golden Age, in that order.

Reviews

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book (and author) were a delightful surprise. I loved all the goofy characters, including the three dachsunds) and the plot of the book. This was no simple cozy, you had to work to figure out who done it and why? Well worth the read if you want something more than your typical cozy mystery.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cozy mystery, something different from what I usually read. I saw the title on a friend's list and since it involved dachshunds, I had to read it. Willa is a mystery novelist who has inherited her great-aunt Mina's bakery (The Three Hound's) and her pink house. She also inherits 3 heartbroken dachshunds, Kyle, Wags and Killer. Willa and Mina's lawyer, Mr. Pilkington set out to solve the mystery surrounding Mina's sudden death. There is an interesting cast of characters and the coastal town of Humbolt's Cove is charming , but the neighbors seem to have already passed judgement on Willa, have a low opinion of Mina, with the exception of a few. I really enjoyed reading this one and look forward to reading more books in this series and hope the cast of characters return in future books.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cozy Murder Mystery that keeps you guessing! Willa is the protagonist and she is a writer. She is thrown into a difficult situation so the reader is along for the ride. The characters were delightful although not thoroughly developed with minor towns people dotted here and there. It was difficult to know who was telling the truth and who was not. The motive was also in question. The 3 dachshund’s stole the show! I love that recipes are included.

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

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hah, I wondered

Willa, an author, inherits her Aunt Mina's home, dogs, and business when Mina is declared dead in a boating accident. Willa does not believe her Aunt's death was an accident but murder and sets out to find the truth. With the help of her elderly attorney, they"ll use the clues Mina left behind to try to unravel the mystery.

I was really looking forward to how Willa would figure out what the truth was, but it was complicated. At times, she came across as strong and intelligent, then other times as if she was clueless. I guess I expected more from the author side of her. There were a few twists. I didn't catch them all but I was getting there. I liked the format with the letters/emails. Made her more real.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute. Well as cute as a murder mystery can be. I loved the plot and the town of Humbolt Cove was endearing. The cast of characters were fun but very trypical of a quaint small town. I had 2 grievances that distracted from the book: the main characters self depreciating got old fast. Talking about how incompetent of an adult you are when you have a full blown career is not cute. I also have beef with how the author described a plus sized character. It was so brief but it stuck with me for the rest of the book by how differently a curvy character was treated compared to the others. Jarred me out of the story.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Titterington’s Trouble Afoot at the Three Hounds Bakery is an intriguing, heartwarming, and suspenseful tale of inheritance, mystery, and small-town secrets. At its center is Wilhelmina “Willa” Lattner, a mystery writer thrown into an adventure that’s as puzzling as the stories she pens. Inheriting a house and three quirky dogs, Willa finds herself in a town where not everyone welcomes her arrival. A cryptic note hints at life-changing revelations, while unanswered questions about her aunt’s death spark a deeper mystery. Was it murder? And if so, why? The town's residents may be keeping more secrets than they’re willing to admit.

Willa is instantly captivating. Her mix of charm, vulnerability, and determination pulls you in from the start. The depth of her character keeps you invested as she navigates her strange new life. One of the highlights is Mr. Pilkington, affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Peanut” by Willa. This elderly, steadfast attorney is as endearing as he is principled, adding warmth and a touch of gravitas to the story. Other characters stir emotions in unexpected ways. Lucy’s enigmatic presence raises suspicion, Jake’s likability doesn’t completely mask his mystery, and Brian’s secrets as the bakery’s chef linger just out of reach. The trio of dogs is a delight as well. As they settle into Willa’s life, they manage to settle into the reader’s heart as well.

The story’s pace is excellent. It moves with purpose while allowing moments of tension and tenderness to land fully. The upbeat yet edgy tone creates an enjoyable balance, while the setting complements the characters and the unfolding drama. Titterington expertly introduces Willa to the town’s colorful cast, making each interaction a standout. The scenes with the sheriff sizzle with tension, while “Mr. Peanut” provides much-needed sweetness. And the central mystery, layered with danger, hidden truths, and Willa’s personal growth, delivers on every level.

Trouble Afoot at the Three Hounds Bakery is a delightful mix of suspense, charm, and heart. Mystery fans will devour it, but its engaging characters and entertaining twists make it a fantastic choice for anyone who loves stories about new beginnings and hidden depths. If you’re looking for an entertaining read that keeps you guessing, this book is a must.

[Kathy Koester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the start of a great mystery series by Julie Titterington, plus how can you go wrong with 3 adorable, Dachshunds (my favorite dog as a child). I knew it would be great from the start.

Willa is a mystery writer. Her Great Aunt, Mina dies and suddenly Willa finds that she is the owner of her Aunt's Pepto bismo pink House, and everything else. Along with that she is 1/2 owner of The Three Hounds Bakery. We are also introdued to her Great Aunt's Lawyer, Mr. Pilkington(Pilky) who helps Willa navigate the estate settlement. As if this isn't enough, she finds a letter from her Aunt Mina which reads "if you are reading this letter I have been murdered." Also it states the Mina expects Willa to solve the murder.

Many factors to consider : Mina was lost at sea during a raging storm where she was out in her boat. Many of the towns people i was an unfortunate accident. Pilky comes to stay in the house to try to solve the murder. Along the way, they find out that Mina was writing a book revealing secrets that some townspeople would like to see buried. Plus there was an ongoing battle with the bakery across the street that served store bought treats and compared to the 3 Hounds making things fresh. And lastly there are several people who seem Mina offended. As they start investigating, Willa's house is broken into and her cell phone taken..

As Willa, Pilky, 3 hounds and others try to track down what really happened, there are more people who could have profited by Mina's death. (plus Willa seems to have courted bad favor with many towns people through a rumor spread by her enemies)

This is a great start and hopefully we will see more of Willa, Pilky and the dogs in future additions to this cozy mystery series.

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

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willa Lattner inherits a grand Victorian four story house painted pink in northern California, three dachsunds, and half ownership of The Three Hounds Bakery in Humboldt Cove when her great aunt Mina Lattner dies mysteriously in a boat accident during a storm. Willa writes cozy mysteries that involve baking, which is amusing because not only is life imitating art, but Willa does not bake. She runs into a snag when Aunt Mina's insurance won't pay because there no body, only a death certificate. Killer, Wags, and Kyle(the pups) love her at first sight, but she's not so sure about them since she has never lived on her own, let alone been responsible for another living creature. The good news is that Aunt Mina not only left the house, dogs, and bakery to Willa, but she also left enough money to maintain all of them, even without the insurance payment. Aunt Mina left Willa a note that cautioned her not to trust anyone but her lawyer, Daniel Pilkington, and Brian, causing her to be wary of most of the locals she meets. Humboldt Cove could be a great place to live if Willa would stop getting glares, snubs, and downright nasty comments from more than half of the residents, including the sheriff, all because Mina was writing a tell all history of the town when she disappeared. Willa, "Pilky," and the pups face danger, social ostracism, and a need to find Mina's manuscript before someone else dies in this twisting, humorous adventure. They spend lots of their time eating mouth-watering confections to fuel their activities. Don't read this if you are on a fast or cutting sugar or carbs out of your life! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read with hints of where it’s going, if you pay attention.
Willa Lattner, a successful mystery writer but a woman who has never really had to look after herself, inherits her aunt’s pink house in Humboldt Cove. Included in the bequest are her Aunt Mina’s three dachshunds and a share in the local successful bakery.
Mina has left Willa a letter which basically says, if you’re reading this I’m dead and if that’s the case I’ve been murdered. She expects her mystery-writer niece to find out who is behind it.
Willa is an interesting if odd character. She must be putting on weight in her short time there as she eats an awful lot of whatever goodies are put in front of her.
Humboldt Cove is also a strange place. Her aunt must have made a few enemies and that transfers to Willa with some people being downright rude even though they know nothing about her. Luckily some liked Mina and therefore like her. Willa has also left a broken romance behind but takes a shine to the hunky baker.
With a small band of locals (Mina’s minions) and the elderly, lovely, redoubtable Mr Pilkington (lawyer) Willa tries to work out who’d want Mina out of the way and why. Was it the local history book Mina was writing? Is there something wrong at the bakery? Has tales of drug smuggling anything to do with it at all?
There are a nice bunch of rounded characters and the story of how it is all resolved keeps your attention. It’s nice to see Willa, who is quite a determined character, learn that she can look after herself.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The dachshunds really add a lot to the story and would love to say that the characters are all lovely but when you're in a mystery and trying to determine who killed your aunt, everyone becomes a suspect. Willa inherits a pink house in the small town of Humboldt Cove in Klamath county which is the smallest town and county in California. It is one of those towns where everybody seems to know everybody else and usually that means everyone is all up in everyone else's business. Her aunt, Mina, owned 3 adorable dachshunds who you will find have very different personalities but are very protective of anyone they love.
After a stroll through the town she finds the towns people not as friendly as she was hoping, Seems her aunt might now have been very well liked so when Willa gets her aunts letter which states in no uncertain terms that she was murdered then it becomes Willa's job to find out who murdered her. It is really hard to pinpoint who the culprit is when almost everybody seems to sound guilty, well almost everyone. I love all the twists and turns. This is a very fast paced book that keeps you guessing. I love the characters and the small town and can't wait to see what the author has in store for us with the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dennise Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an advanced copy from BookSirens in return for my honest review.
I absolutely love cozy mysteries and this book was no exception. It was a bit different than I was expecting. This book had some fun twists, lots of characters, hard to decide whodunit and that kept me engaged. It was a little different in its style than what I’m used to and really enjoyed the addition of the emails and messages to bring things together.
The addition of the loyal, smart doxies were just what a great cozy mystery needs.
Willa is a character that I’m looking forward to seeing more of. Smart, brave and not one to walk away from a challenge.
The recipes are a great addition to the book and I am looking forward to trying the apricot bread.
The author did a great job with details, it was easy to picture my surroundings while I read.
I enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next installment of The Doxie & Donuts Mystery series.
Highly recommend giving this book a read.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this title for free provided by Booksirens and this review is being provided voluntarily without reservation. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I was drawn to this book by its use of dachshunds because I have a Doxie of my own who has my heart. This book captures the dachshunds essence with added murder and mystery. The characters are well developed and as the story progresses you have feelings for these characters which made the twists and turns more exciting. I enjoyed the sprinkling of baking throughout the story and the main character, Willa, trying to put herself in her character’s shoes and struggling because she herself doesn’t bake. There was comedy and antics throughout that made the story a quick read. The ending was well thought out with twists and turns to keep you hooked to the end. I cannot wait to read the next installment in the Three Hounds series.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story with a unique mystery and wonderful characters. I recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series. It comes out in January of 2025!

Amazon synopsis:
When mystery novelist Willa Lattner inherits her great-aunt Mina’s charming bakery in the coastal town of Humboldt Cove, she expects to find solace in new friends, fresh air, and all the pastries she can eat. Instead, she’s met with a trio of heartbroken dachshunds and an unsettling mystery surrounding Mina’s sudden death.

As Willa digs into her aunt’s legacy, she uncovers a web of old grudges and hidden agendas lurking beneath the bakery’s warm facade. With each clue, the stakes rise, and she realizes that someone is desperate to keep the past buried—at any cost.

With her clever canines by her side, Willa must navigate quirky neighbors, mend a tattered reputation, and uncover dark secrets. Can she piece together the puzzle before the killer strikes again, or will her first adventure be her last?

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaw dropping conclusion!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‼️
What an excellent read! It was full of suspense, multiple leads/red herrings as to what happened to Aunt Mina. Through Willa's letters to her sister and brother in law we learn about her character. The main characters were written ever so cleverly! I did really enjoy Mr. Pilkington and his chivalry. Of course Wags, Killer, and Kyle were bright and engaging as well and lent an added dimension to the word heroes! My jaw did literally drop at the conclusion ~ never in a million years would I have anticipated the ending though there were pointed markers. Looking forward to more from the author. Highly recommended as your next book!

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a dachshund lover, I adored this book from the start. The dogs were the key to solve this mystery. Willa comes to Humboldt Cove because of the death of her great-aunt Mena. Clues are left for Willa pointing her to help solve what happened to her aunt.

I loved the way the author laid out the mystery. How Willa’s emails tell the story in first person and the rest of the story is in third person. Giving Willa more depth to her personality was a perfect juxtaposition.

Then it is those 3 dachshunds. I loved them all. Reminding me of my own dogs.

So many twists and turns that will have you guessing until the final recipe. Delicious!!

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series starter

This is a new-to-me author, and I just LOVED this book. Already waiting for the next one.

I really liked the different style that is used in the book. One chapter might be telling what's going on, and the next might be a letter that Willa has sent someone, or a news article.

Willa is a wonderful character, and I love her sense of humor, which particularly comes out in the letters she writes to people.

I found this to be a really well written book with great characters, a fascinating mystery, a bunch of suspects, and a few big surprises.

More, please!!

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

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilhelmina Lattner stood on the curb, looking at the monstrosity of the pink house she just inherited from her dead aunt. She finds a letter addressed to her from her aunt. In the letter she says that she has been murdered. Wilhelmina sets out to find her aunts killer She also inherits 1/2 interest in the town bakery. Several people are trying to help Willa to find her aunts murderer. There was a be ry surprised ending. It was an excellent read. I highly recommend it.


I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa inherits her aunt’s Victorian mansion. She gets a message from her in which she claims she's been murdered and that Willa has to find who the culprit is. This is a fun and entertaining story. Well written, nice characters (Willa is so funny and bold). I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. I want more stories like this one.
I received an advance review copy via Booksprout and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willa's great aunt has passed away, leaving her house, half of her business and her three lovable dachsunds to her. Upon further examination, she realizes that her aunt was actually murdered and has to take it upon herself to solve the mystery. This is a fun, dachsund-filled, cozy mystery with enough twists to make it interesting for the reader.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Silagy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cozy mystery and this one was it! This book proved me wrong with every guess I made about who did it. And the ending is still making me say “what”?! I loved that there were sausage dogs in the story and that they played key parts as well! They were part of the story not just a blip to write about ❤️I hope there will be more books because I loved this one!

Thanks to Siren Books for the ARC opportunity.

[Kathy Foltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trouble Afoot at the Three Hounds Bakery

Loved the Doxies! The writer included them in the story as an integral part not just fluff. Human characters were a wide range of young an old strong personalities and were left overs from the original founding families. That made the storyline so much stronger and opened the guilty party line wide open.I actually guessed quite a bit about the culprits and one other thing I can't say. All in all a nice Sunday afternoon read.

[Alicia Whittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having had dachshunds run through our houses over the years, this was the perfect read. Ms. Tttterington described their antics perfectly. The intricacies of the mystery were well woven. Her characters could have stepped off the page into my home, she was so descriptive. I highly recommend this book, not only for being a cozy murder mystery but also for Ms. Titterington's laugh-out-loud humor. I can't wait to read her next book in the series.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read.

Willa inherits a four storey bubble gum pink Victorian home and half a bakery in a small California town. She soon begins to feel quite unwelcome. Does it have something to do about the scandalous book her aunt was writing, which would discredit some of the town' illustrious settlers? Was something strange going on at the bakery of which her aunt owned 51%? Who killed her aunt? Was it the woman who owned the bakery across the street? The town's mayor or the sheriff?

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not one but three dachshunds won over Willa's heart in this cozy mystery set in a bakery in a small town. This is the start to a new series that was an enjoyable read. As Willa tries to figure out who to trust, she learns that learning how to be an independent adult is not easy but finds faith in herself throughout the story. The mystery also had some wild twists and turns. It can be read as a standalone.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book! What a great start to a new series. I was so taken with the characters, the town and of course, the three dogs. Everything is better with a dog by your side, three and you can run the world! Very good storyline, interesting characters and good plots. Kept my interest, I ended up reading it in one sitting. I just didn't want to put it down. Can't wait for the second book.

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

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to read a book by Julie that was not an absolute home run and this was no exception! The main character, Willa, is so easy to like and she is quite funny. Julie never fails to get me with a plot twist and keeps me guessing till the last second. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I highly recommend! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastically fun cozy murder mystery.

Julie Titterington is now on my to follow authors list. She knows how to write very entertaining mysteries.

Love the dachshunds, even their names. They actually save the day!

It was a surprise whodunit, with great interactions, laughter, and prejudices. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Oh and so wonderful to include recipes.

[Melissa Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for free from booksirens. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The recipes at the end were a nice bonus. The characters were engaging and likable. I could see this being a rv series like monk or murder she wrote. I'd watch every episode of what Willa got up too with her pups and Mr. Peanut. Can't wait to read more busy this author.

[Katie L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting cozy mystery. I enjoyed the banter between characters, and I enjoyed the chaos of the three adorable dogs that stole every scene that they were in. I had part of the mystery solved before the book ended, but enjoyed guessing! I’m excited to read the second book in the series and continue my adventure with these characters!!

[Silvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Julie Titterington and her book was one of those wholesome, sweet reads that end with the reader smiling. Her characters were well developed and enjoyable and you could almost believe they existed. Such a good read. It was so good that I will read the second book in the series.