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Carolina Canine Mysteries #1
Paw Prints and Poison Pens
One seasoned dog trainer. A mysterious death. And a French Bulldog who saw too much...
When renowned mystery author Diana Blackwood is found dead in her Palm Harbor mansion, dog trainer Bea Whitman thinks she's just there to help a traumatized French Bulldog. But Diana's last act—leaving her beloved Max to Bea's care—was no random choice. As suspicious deaths multiply and old secrets surface, Bea realizes Max might be the key to solving a mystery thirty-five years in the making.
With help from the town's handsome new veterinarian-turned-coroner, Dr. James Crawford, Bea must uncover Diana's cleverly hidden clues before a killer strikes again. But someone in this charming coastal town will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried, even if it means silencing a determined dog trainer and her four-legged witnesses.
As Bea gets closer to the truth, she discovers that in Palm Harbor, the most dangerous secrets are the ones that have had decades to fester. And with attempts on her life escalating, she'll need more than her training expertise— she'll need Max's uncanny ability to sense when danger lurks behind a friendly face.
Perfect for fans of small-town mysteries, clever canines, and determined amateur sleuths, Paw Prints and Poison Pens combines Southern coastal charm with spine-tingling suspense. Curl up with this page-turning cozy mystery that proves sometimes the best investigators work on four legs!
When renowned mystery author Diana Blackwood is found dead in her Palm Harbor mansion, dog trainer Bea Whitman thinks she's just there to help a traumatized French Bulldog. But Diana's last act—leaving her beloved Max to Bea's care—was no random choice. As suspicious deaths multiply and old secrets surface, Bea realizes Max might be the key to solving a mystery thirty-five years in the making.
With help from the town's handsome new veterinarian-turned-coroner, Dr. James Crawford, Bea must uncover Diana's cleverly hidden clues before a killer strikes again. But someone in this charming coastal town will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried, even if it means silencing a determined dog trainer and her four-legged witnesses.
As Bea gets closer to the truth, she discovers that in Palm Harbor, the most dangerous secrets are the ones that have had decades to fester. And with attempts on her life escalating, she'll need more than her training expertise— she'll need Max's uncanny ability to sense when danger lurks behind a friendly face.
Perfect for fans of small-town mysteries, clever canines, and determined amateur sleuths, Paw Prints and Poison Pens combines Southern coastal charm with spine-tingling suspense. Curl up with this page-turning cozy mystery that proves sometimes the best investigators work on four legs!
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2025
286 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 4, 2025
Different approach
I've gotten used to a touch of silliness in cozy mysteries so this one was a little shocking in its more somber, in keeping with murder and somewhat traumatized pet, feel. Bea, a dog trainer, takes on a new client, an author who is working on a new book. An unsolved disappearance case, that results in her getting murdered. Bea is tasked with looking after the orphaned dog, Max, and picking up where the author left off in her research into the missing reporter. As she and James, the new vet and part time coroner, with the help of Max, delve in the mystery, another murder and clues to the death of the author tie into the missing reporter case. As she gets closer to discovering the truth, Bea finds herself on the killer's radar.
The story evolves with less drama amongst the main character and the police, which is nice to see. Small towns, lots of interactions, and the sense that many folks bring information to the table to help solve the murders.
I've gotten used to a touch of silliness in cozy mysteries so this one was a little shocking in its more somber, in keeping with murder and somewhat traumatized pet, feel. Bea, a dog trainer, takes on a new client, an author who is working on a new book. An unsolved disappearance case, that results in her getting murdered. Bea is tasked with looking after the orphaned dog, Max, and picking up where the author left off in her research into the missing reporter. As she and James, the new vet and part time coroner, with the help of Max, delve in the mystery, another murder and clues to the death of the author tie into the missing reporter case. As she gets closer to discovering the truth, Bea finds herself on the killer's radar.
The story evolves with less drama amongst the main character and the police, which is nice to see. Small towns, lots of interactions, and the sense that many folks bring information to the table to help solve the murders.
June 26, 2025
Needs an editor
Good premise, could have been a good read, but the timing errors and lack of editing made it painful at times. One major clue that was to lead to the conclusion was misspelled. It was four days later, but tomorrow. The same phrases were used over and over. The reader could almost see where the author stopped and started, forgetting where she'd been. Really needs an editor.
Good premise, could have been a good read, but the timing errors and lack of editing made it painful at times. One major clue that was to lead to the conclusion was misspelled. It was four days later, but tomorrow. The same phrases were used over and over. The reader could almost see where the author stopped and started, forgetting where she'd been. Really needs an editor.
April 14, 2025
Dogs and Mysteries
I had discovered a new author and I really like her. Madison Boyd is a great craftswoman, writing attractive characters and interesting plots.
I had discovered a new author and I really like her. Madison Boyd is a great craftswoman, writing attractive characters and interesting plots.
January 31, 2025
A couple of dogs and a few murders!
Bea owns Coastal Canine Training, and her golden retriever Luna helps by demonstrating the proper stances. She conducts obedience classes along with training therapy dogs. When Diana, a local author calls her for assistance with her dog Max, she heads out to Blackwood Manor, and notices that there is a lot of tension present, which is affecting Max. Showing up to work with Max, she discovers Diana dead! In trying to investigate what happened to her, she winds up also looking into the 35-year old disappearance of Jeremy, a reporter. A fascinating and enjoyable read!
Bea owns Coastal Canine Training, and her golden retriever Luna helps by demonstrating the proper stances. She conducts obedience classes along with training therapy dogs. When Diana, a local author calls her for assistance with her dog Max, she heads out to Blackwood Manor, and notices that there is a lot of tension present, which is affecting Max. Showing up to work with Max, she discovers Diana dead! In trying to investigate what happened to her, she winds up also looking into the 35-year old disappearance of Jeremy, a reporter. A fascinating and enjoyable read!
September 1, 2025
Yet another book that randomly popped up in my KU recommendations.
I liked the premise. The characters were interesting, especially the oldies at the senior home (Martha has all the tea) that Bea visits regularly with her therapy dog, Luna. The mystery that Bea gets entangled in decades in the making, and involves a new client, her dog, and the murder of a journalist. How everything fits together is something you'll have to discover for yourself, but this was fun and fast paced. Read it in one sitting while snuggled up in bed. Will definitely be checking out the next book to see what everyone is getting up to.
3.5 stars
I liked the premise. The characters were interesting, especially the oldies at the senior home (Martha has all the tea) that Bea visits regularly with her therapy dog, Luna. The mystery that Bea gets entangled in decades in the making, and involves a new client, her dog, and the murder of a journalist. How everything fits together is something you'll have to discover for yourself, but this was fun and fast paced. Read it in one sitting while snuggled up in bed. Will definitely be checking out the next book to see what everyone is getting up to.
3.5 stars
June 28, 2025
Cute
Rating 2.5. Cute story and plot line. Found some timeline issues and the story jumped around a bit. I think some better editing and streaming of some of the wordings would help as the main characters are engaging. Some of the story is just hard to believe where a detective would include a dog trainer in his investigation so willingly. Maybe more back story was needed as to why he would bring her into the investigation so easily and readily. Overall engaging and a quick read.
Rating 2.5. Cute story and plot line. Found some timeline issues and the story jumped around a bit. I think some better editing and streaming of some of the wordings would help as the main characters are engaging. Some of the story is just hard to believe where a detective would include a dog trainer in his investigation so willingly. Maybe more back story was needed as to why he would bring her into the investigation so easily and readily. Overall engaging and a quick read.
February 8, 2025
My first Madison Boyd book and not my last.
I really enjoyed reading this book, so I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I feel that Madison Boyd did an awesome job in both weaving an incredible mystery and giving the readers a heartwarming look into doggy friendship. Oh, and there may be a little romance. The characters are well developed and believable. Don't miss this intriguing Cozy Mystery.
I really enjoyed reading this book, so I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I feel that Madison Boyd did an awesome job in both weaving an incredible mystery and giving the readers a heartwarming look into doggy friendship. Oh, and there may be a little romance. The characters are well developed and believable. Don't miss this intriguing Cozy Mystery.
July 7, 2025
It's a dog’s world
This is truly a cozy mystery. The story was well developed as were the characters. A story of a 35 year old cold case that involved police cover up and missing evidence. Also a little romance. This book has it all.
I would like to offer a special thanks to Madison Boyd for not using foul language, sexual overtones or graphic violence to present such an entertaining tale.
This is truly a cozy mystery. The story was well developed as were the characters. A story of a 35 year old cold case that involved police cover up and missing evidence. Also a little romance. This book has it all.
I would like to offer a special thanks to Madison Boyd for not using foul language, sexual overtones or graphic violence to present such an entertaining tale.
July 22, 2025
Interesting story.
I think they developed the Virtual Voice with the right note of warmth. At least it didn’t sound like the robot in Lost in Space.
Also, some of the dogs’ behavior was a little off, as far as I’m concerned. I won’t go into any further because I don’t want to reveal too much, but training with Max and Luna moved too fast.
So I will consider this series as “light cozy mysteries.”
I think they developed the Virtual Voice with the right note of warmth. At least it didn’t sound like the robot in Lost in Space.
Also, some of the dogs’ behavior was a little off, as far as I’m concerned. I won’t go into any further because I don’t want to reveal too much, but training with Max and Luna moved too fast.
So I will consider this series as “light cozy mysteries.”
August 6, 2025
Good story but needs an editor
Book has lots of typos, inconsistencies, and dropped storylines. I prefer stories where all the loose ends are tied up. The story is ineresting, but the book is sloppy. Also parts of the characters' behaviors are somwhat unrealistic -- like how many vets have hours every day (including Saturday morning) to go sleuthing? Will not be continuing with the series, which is disappointing as I love dog detectives.
Book has lots of typos, inconsistencies, and dropped storylines. I prefer stories where all the loose ends are tied up. The story is ineresting, but the book is sloppy. Also parts of the characters' behaviors are somwhat unrealistic -- like how many vets have hours every day (including Saturday morning) to go sleuthing? Will not be continuing with the series, which is disappointing as I love dog detectives.
September 24, 2025
I actually didn't finish this one. I got tired of trying to ignore the myriad inconsistencies. I have a feeling, which admittedly could be wrong, that this could be an AI generated book. Even if that is the case, a simple proof-read or edit could have solved the problems. I usually can overlook minor mistakes but, in this book, they became overwhelming to the point of distraction. It's a shame because the premise had potential and the characters, especially the canine ones, were likable.
July 6, 2025
Excellent story…
Well worth the read but it could use some help in the timeline department. The author must have written it in segments and then put them together…making a few changes that she forgot to change elsewhere. Overall the editing was fine, and the mistakes only a little distracting.
Well worth the read but it could use some help in the timeline department. The author must have written it in segments and then put them together…making a few changes that she forgot to change elsewhere. Overall the editing was fine, and the mistakes only a little distracting.
November 30, 2025
not to sure of this book took me way to long to finish i kept putting it dow and it took me a week to read which is unusual unless its a very long book but that being said I enjoyed max and luna and really enjoyed how the romance was handled i will definitely give the second book a chance before writing off the series
June 22, 2025
Holds your thoughts of what's to come
This author has the ability to build your anticipation of what is to come with a thrill of solving the clues that is really entertaining. Well written!
This author has the ability to build your anticipation of what is to come with a thrill of solving the clues that is really entertaining. Well written!
July 5, 2025
Shame on the publisher that let this go to print without further review. This cozy mystery is littered with timeline issues, contradictory details, and spelling errors. The story was compelling enough to finish, but the writing and editing are so sub-par it’s embarrassing.
July 9, 2025
Found an author I will have to follow!
Loved this book! It was good mystery and yet warm and friendly. I’m a big dog lover, so really enjoyed that. My Nicky means the world to me. Can’t wait to read the next book!
Loved this book! It was good mystery and yet warm and friendly. I’m a big dog lover, so really enjoyed that. My Nicky means the world to me. Can’t wait to read the next book!
July 16, 2025
Paw, print and poison pens
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The story had plenty episodes of mystery, multiple murders and loving dogs.
I liked all the characters and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series .
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The story had plenty episodes of mystery, multiple murders and loving dogs.
I liked all the characters and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series .
January 30, 2025
Excellent story. I didn't want to put it down.
February 5, 2025
fun mystery
Who can resist a mystery with dogs starring in it? Sometime predictable but overall a good read. Don’t pass it over.
Who can resist a mystery with dogs starring in it? Sometime predictable but overall a good read. Don’t pass it over.
May 21, 2025
Great cozy mystery...and with dogs!!!!
Great cozy mystery with twists and turns. And there are adorable dogs to be entertained by. Well done. Defintely want to read more.
Great cozy mystery with twists and turns. And there are adorable dogs to be entertained by. Well done. Defintely want to read more.
June 23, 2025
3 stars
Cute story Needs better editing. Bothers me when I need to read something several times to try and make sense of it
I will read the next book
Cute story Needs better editing. Bothers me when I need to read something several times to try and make sense of it
I will read the next book
June 23, 2025
enjoyed
Enjoyed the story but you need to get a new editor. Found myself rereading many paragraphs where the story didn’t flow or contradicted. Get a better editor.
Enjoyed the story but you need to get a new editor. Found myself rereading many paragraphs where the story didn’t flow or contradicted. Get a better editor.
June 25, 2025
A nice mixture of mystery and clean, slow-burn adult romance.
June 26, 2025
paws prints and poison pens
Thoroughly enjoyed the story. I ‘m a pet lover so I was totally entertained. Lots of excitement and clever mysteries to unravel
Thoroughly enjoyed the story. I ‘m a pet lover so I was totally entertained. Lots of excitement and clever mysteries to unravel
June 30, 2025
New Series and New Author.
This is the first book that I've read with this author and I truly enjoyed it. Now I'm ready for the next one. Keep up the awesome work!
This is the first book that I've read with this author and I truly enjoyed it. Now I'm ready for the next one. Keep up the awesome work!
July 1, 2025
this was a good book
I liked everything about this book. Good characters, good mystery and I can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s good to trust a dog.
I liked everything about this book. Good characters, good mystery and I can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s good to trust a dog.
July 1, 2025
this is really good. how can it not be since it has dogs and budding romance?
July 2, 2025
So enjoyable.
What a delightful book. Easy to read and hard to put down. I'm exciting to start book number 2 right now.
What a delightful book. Easy to read and hard to put down. I'm exciting to start book number 2 right now.
August 5, 2025
Easy reading.
I liked how the dogs worked together with danger and being protective when necessary.
Sad that people had to die to solve a crime.
I liked how the dogs worked together with danger and being protective when necessary.
Sad that people had to die to solve a crime.
November 10, 2025
Poorly edited, but a cute little mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews