Downton Tabby

Pampered Pets Mystery #7

by Sparkle Abbey

Anyone for tea and crumpets...and murder?

Caro Lamont, amateur sleuth and well-respected animal therapist to Laguna Beach’s pampered pets, works with office mate and tech wizard, Graham Cash, whose beloved Scottish Fold tabby cat, Toria, is purported to have anger management issues. But when Caro drops by the charming Brit’s Tudor-inspired mansion to return Toria, she finds his business partner dead and Cash missing.

Caro is left with the cuddly cat and a lot of unanswered questions. Is Cash the killer, or has he been kidnapped? What’s up with the angry next door neighbor? And what about Cash’s girlfriend, Heidi, who isn't sharing everything she knows with homicide detective Judd Malone?

Suddenly there are more secrets and intrigues than there are titles in England. Add in a stranger in a dark SUV stalking Caro, feisty senior sidekick, Betty, hiding in restaurant shrubbery, and wannabe investigative reporter Callum MacAvoy who seems to be constantly underfoot, and you've got a cat and mouse mystery of the first order.


Caro’s got to solve this murder before the killer lets the cat out of the bag.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery

Paperback

First published June 6, 2015

About the author

Sparkle Abbey is the pseudonym of two mystery authors (Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter). They are friends and neighbors as well as co-writers of the Pampered Pets Mystery Series. The pen name was created by combining the names of their rescue pets - Sparkle (Mary Lee’s cat) and Abbey (Anita’s dog). They reside in central Iowa, but if they could write anywhere, you would find them on the beach with their laptops and depending on the time of day either an iced tea or a margarita.)

Desperate Housedogs (Book 1), Get Fluffy (Book 2), Kitty Kitty Bang Bang (Book 3), Yip/Tuck (Book 4), Fifty Shades of Greyhound (Book 5), and The Girl with the Dachshund Tattoo (Book 6) are available in large-print through Gale-Thorndike and are part of the Clean Reads program.

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pet therapist Caro Lamont is spending this morning in her office working on some paperwork, which is why, when Graham Cash asks her to watch his tabby cat, Toria, for a little while, she readily agrees. Cash and his business partner, Jake, have rented an office for their very successful app making business in the building that Caro uses, and Caro has enjoyed getting to know them both.

When Cash doesn’t return in the agreed upon time, Caro begins to get worried. After all, she has afternoon appointments. She decides to take Toria to the house that the business partners share. However, when she arrives, she finds no sign of Cash and Jake’s dead body floating in their pool. What happened to Jake? Is Cash okay? Or is he the killer?

There is plenty happened here, including a visit by Caro’s ex-husband, so the pages fly by. Unfortunately, all the events mean that the mystery could have been a bit stronger. Still, it had some fun twists and surprises before reaching the logical conclusion. The real star here are the characters, both two and four legged. The pets will charm you, and the humans will entertain you. Some are more realistic and help draw you into the story. Others are so over the top that you are certain to laugh. Yet they are perfectly balanced and feel natural interacting with each other. This series is always a light, fun treat, and this entry is no exception.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pet therapist, Carolina “Caro” Lamont, is back and better than ever in this seventh installment of the Pampered Pets Mystery series. Author(s) Sparkle Abbey have penned another wonderful story. The author’s sense of humor shines through as well as their fantastic way with crafting an entertaining mystery.

Fast moving, but not so much as to be confusing, DOWNTON TABBY was as tight as a newly would ball of yarn and just as fun to unravel. With each turn of the page the questions kept coming, making this mystery even more intriguing, right until the surprising reveal.

This was such an addicting read, I couldn’t stop reading it! Now I know how cats must feel about catnip! Cat lovers and mystery fans will be in their glory with this excellent read. DOWNTON TABBY will leave you purring in delight.

And make sure to check out the two great cat treat recipes at the back of the book!

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pampered Pets Mysteries are written by Sparkle Abbey, aka friends Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter. Fittingly Sparkle is really Mary Lee's cat and Abbey is Anita's dog. Downton Abbey is the 7th in the series. I have missed a couple of books, but as I was reminded how much fun they are, I will be going back to catch up.
Carolina, a pet therapist finds herself mixed up in murder again. Joined in this investigation by her boy friend, Sam, Betty Foxx, who works for Caro's cousin Melinda at her high end pet shop, and although he hinders more than helps ex husband Geoffrey is around. Caro can't seem to get anything done, sometimes the more help you have, the less you get done. Once again, we were entertained by Caro's cats, Thelma and Louise, her dog, Dogbert and clients, Cork, Toria and Rosie. I am always ready for a visit to Laguna Beach and I'm ready right now.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Downton Tabby by Sparkle Abbey. It is the seventh book in the Pampered Pet series, but Downton Tabby can easily be read without having read the previous book in the series. Caroline “Caro” Lamont is a pet therapist for dogs and cats. Caro always likes to poke her nose in investigations despite being told repeatedly by Detective Judd Malone to keep out of his investigations. Caro states she is just passing along information she hears and receives from people who are not comfortable talking to police!

Graham Cash (goes by Cash) and his partner, Jake Wylie shares an office with Caro (along with a psychic). They run a business called 2Gyz and developed an app called WoofWalker. Cash asks Caro to watch his cat, Toria for him. He was only supposed to be gone 20 to 30 minutes. When he does not show up, Caro tries to reach him without success. Caro heads over to their house to drop off the cat with Jake. The door is unlocked. Caro finds Jake face down in the pool. Cash’ car is out front, but he is not answering his phone. Caro sets out to find out who killed Jake and what happened to Cash.

Caro also has to meet with her clients and help their pets, deal with her annoying ex-husband, and Betty Foxx, an elderly woman who wears pj’s and pearls (everywhere) along with some strange red eyebrows. Betty keeps inserting herself into Caro’s investigation (and Detective Malone’s). There is also a pesky reporter. Caro has someone following her which has her scared. She gets to seek comfort in the arms of her hunky Greek boyfriend, Sam Gallanos. I found Downton Tabby an adorable cozy mystery. It was a very fun book to read. I give Downton Tabby 4 out of 5 stars. The murderer is very obvious. I loved the descriptions of the dogs and cats along with their troubles. My favorite was Betty’s new dog, Raider. He is a St. Bernard with a lot of energy! I have a dog, Doozy, who is half English Pointer and half St. Bernard. It is very hard to walk a dog that big!

I received a complimentary copy of Downton Tabby from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author and series for me and I have to say I am hooked and going back to read the entire series. Caro lives in Laguna Beach, California and works as a pet therapist who falls into murder cases. When friend and office mate, Cash, doesn't return to pick up his pedigreed cat, Caro goes to his home and finds his business partner dead. Cash is missing, break-ins happen, hidden rooms and secrets emerge and we get a twisted and tangled tale of revenge, lawsuits, and murder. On the side Caro is trying to evade her ex-husband who is invading her life again, deal with a family dispute with her former favorite cousin and convince her mother in Texas to back off. Her friend Betty is a wannabe senior Nancy Drew and a local newscaster is a wannabe investigative reporter and the two of them keep getting into Caro's investigation. The characters are wacky and fun. Caro and her animal friends are delightful. The setting and background are well presented and the murder plot is a fantastic concoction of twists and turns that kept me guessing right to the final reveal. I can't wait to read the first six books and then the next one coming out. I recommend this for pet mystery lovers and anyone looking for a unique murder plot.

I won this book as a prize from the author and this is my fair and honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series!
This is a great series, one of my favorite. This is the seventh book in the Pampered Pets Mystery series by Sparkle Abbey. Caro is an animal therapist to Laguna Beach’s pampered pets. Caro has been working with Toria whose owner Cash is a tech wizard and also happens to have an office in Caro’s building. When she goes to take Toria home she finds Cash’s business partner dead in the pool and Cash is missing. When things keep happening around Caro, she is let with no choice but to put her sleuthing skills to the test. She is determined to find the killer before they strike again. If you are looking for a great mystery that will leave you guessing to the end then you need to read this book. I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

How would you like to find a dead body in a swimming pool, have two friends disappear, be followed by a black SUV and have your ex try to take away your clients?

That’s what Laguna Beach’s animal therapist and sometime sleuth, Caro Lamont, faces in another page turning, suspense filled, and occasional humorous adventure as she tries to find a killer, disappearances of two friends, and dealing with a scurvy ex.

Need a treat today? Of course you do! Grab some snacks, your fav
drink, turn off your phone and settle down in a comfy place and relish this latest mystery that’s pet friendly too!

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming series just keeps on entertaining. It is Caro's turn to solve the mystery. We enjoy reading about the men and family in her life, past and present, also her friends and clients. Great location. Don't let the cover fool you. This is a contemporary cozy with a fun title. I was provided with an ebook by Netgalley for my honest review.

[Lizzie Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great adventure in the Pampered Pets series!

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As delightful as all the others; I have been a fan from the first book and was thrilled win I won a copy of Downton Tabby on the blog, Dru's Musings. As much as I like Melinda, I think Caro is my favorite of the cousins. Sparkle Abbey manages to keep humor flowing while allowing the Caro to act responsibly and intelligently. That balancing act makes this series stand out as much as the pets, a big draw for me.

When Caro finds the body of one of the people who share her office building and another disappears, she is pulled into the middle of the investigation whether she wants to be or not. She cares about the people involved so as information comes her way, she of course shares it with the yummy Det. Malone who both appreciates it and wants her to stay out of things.

Some people are just trouble magnets and both of the cousins fall into that category. Although Melinda does not have an active part in this novel, her wild employee Betty turns to Caro for help with the St. Bernard she has adopted and, in her usual way, is a little bit of everywhere that she doesn't belong.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Downton Tabby , seventh in the Pampered Pet mystery series, was written by Sparkle Abbey, the pseudonym of two mystery authors, Mary Woods and Anita Carter. The protagonist, Caro Lamont, pet therapist, can't help but get involved in the murder of Graham Cash, whose body she discovers floating in his pool. The story is well-plotted and full of interesting characters. You don't have to read the books in order, but you'll enjoy them all. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful series featuring dogs, cats and humans. Caro is a pet therapist who is cat sitting when one of the owner's is murdered. She and the detective have worked together before and after numerous encounters they eventually solve this cozy murder. I enjoy these books and look forward to more. The recipes for treats are easy to make and the cat loves them.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good addition to the series. Some editing errors, including repetitions, but an easy read nevertheless.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caro Lamont is an animal therapist who lives in Laguna Beach. When an officemate, Cash, asks her to watch his tabby cat for him, she readily agrees. But when she goes to his house to return the cat, she finds his business partner floating in a pool, an electrical cord wrapped around his neck. That makes it pretty obvious that the death is no accident. And to make matters worse, Cash is no where to be found. Caro does not know if Cash is dead or alive, has been kidnapped or if he is the person responsible for his partners death.

Caro also has other problems to deal with. Her cheating ex is back in town, trying to get back into her good graces. She has a pesky investigative reporter dogging her every step, looking for a story. She notices a dark SUV that seems to be following her and there is a feisty senior citizen, Betty, trying to involve herself in the investigation. And last but not least, the feud between her and her cousin has not been resolved. She definitely has a lot to deal with.

The characters are well developed, well rounded and realistic. One of the things I like best about this book is that Caro did not do foolish things while helping with the murder investigation. In so many of the series I read, the protagonist goes off by themselves and do foolish things (they even think to themselves it is foolish but do it anyway). Caro did not do this but still was able to get clues to help the detective solve the murder. Betty is a quirky crazy character and she added a lot to the story. The secondary characters also added a lot to the book.

Another thing I like about this cozy is Caro’s occupation. I enjoyed reading about all the different animals and the behavioral problems that they had. I also enjoyed reading about the training techniques that Caro suggested to her clients. They are helpful and informative and would be useful for pet owners. It is also interesting reading about the different breeds of cats and dogs. I learned things that I never knew before.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The writing is descriptive and at times I felt like I was right there watching the action instead of reading about it. The mystery was carried on throughout much of the book and there were many twists and turns that kept me guessing. There are enough suspects to keep it interesting.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy with enjoyable characters. This is the first book I have read in the series but it definitely will not be the last. I already have the other books to read. I am mad at myself that I waited this long to start reading this fantastic series.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Bell Bridge Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, Fun, Fun!!! Carolina "Caro" Lamont, finds herself knee deep in another murder investigation when she comes across the body of Jake Wylie in his backyard swimming pool when dropping off Toria, Jake's business partner and roomate's cat Cash is Jake's business partner and has disappeared leaving Caro to watch over Toria. Caro attempts to keep her nose out of the investigation but people keep telling her things so she then passes it along to the investigating officer, Malone. Heidi, Cash's ex-girlfriend is hiding something and Caro knows it, can she convince Heidi to talk to Malone? Caro finds herself with a mysterious dark SUV following her, a reporter who is always underfoot, and her ex-husband insinuating himself in her business affairs, and Betty, a feisty senior, trying to help her "investigate" by spying on her. Will she be able to figure things out so she can get some peace?
This is a fun, entertaining read! This is the first book by Sparkle Abbey I've had the pleasure of reading and will definitely be getting the previous titles. The story is fast paced, with a few twists along the way. The "whodunit" is a bit obvious but it's fun to watch the story unfold and learn why. The characters are entertaining, and the pets are steal the scenes with their antics and charm. I"m looking forward to reading the previous future titles in this series. I definitely recommend this series!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Madonna Dolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book seven in the series but the first one I have read so you don't have to read them all to get the storyline. Caro is a pet therapist in the book who stumbles upon a dead body and somehow keeps getting caught up in the crime solving. Detective Judd Malone keeps trying to get her to stay out of his case but he is a lot nicer than some of the other detectives I have read about in some books. Her louse of an ex comes to town trying to steal her business and her hunk of a boyfriend is always there to stand by her side and support her. My only fault with this book is that the murderer was pretty obvious to me from the very beginning. But I did really like the book and the characters. I think Betty was one of my favorite characters, she is very colorful. I really wanted to won Toria, I am a cat person. The writing was pretty spot on. I picked up a few good hints for helping my animals by better behaved. I think I will go back and read the rest of the stories. I would certainly recommend this book to my friend who enjoy cozy mysteries.
I was provided with an ebook by Netgalley for my honest review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book seven in the series but the first one I have read. The story was very easy to follow, it works great as a stand alone.
Caro Lamont is an animal therapist who lives in Laguna Beach. When billionaire internet tycoon, Cash, asks her to watch his tabby cat for him, she readily agrees. But when she goes to his house to return the cat, she finds his business partner floating in a pool, an electrical cord wrapped around his neck.
Caro is doing her best to take care of the cat Toria, keep her own pets happy as well as working with her other clients.
It doesn't help that her ex is back in town and his motives are downright nasty. Add in a senior style Nancy Drew with sinister plans of her own and you have the makings of a well written series. The characters are well thought out and the plot kept me guessing.
I will definitely suggest this book to other readers.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own.

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caro ends up involved in another murder investigation when she is trying to drop off a cat to her office-mate's house. There is a lot going on in this one, especially with Caro's ex-husband in town and seemingly trying to steal her business. For a short while there I thought the feud might finally be near the end and was bitterly disappointed when that turned out not to be the case. It was cute for the first book or two, but now it is just annoying and taking away from character development.

[Khanson919 · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my review for the previous book in this series is that that book needed less Betty. I thought that since the authors alternate focusing on Mel or Caro, and since Betty works for Mel she would not be in a book focused on Caro. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I am not sure why the authors have decided that Betty should be one of the characters who crossover from book to book. Betty is super annoying and adds nothing to the storyline. She is the only character I do not like. Other than Betty, this latest book in this series was solid as always. These books are quick, fun reads and I really like the main characters. I just wish that they would settle their silly feud over Grandma Tillie's broach and appear in a book together.

[Sue Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series

Who doesn't love a good murder mystery? This one has murder, competition, a family feud, some comedy, and if course at !east one hunk of a hero. The writing puts the reader right in the middle of the plot and the series is divided between two feuding cousins. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Super fast read, like able characters that pull you into the story!

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining

[Mary Corso · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know.

Maybe book deserved four stars but I'm just tired of the same old thing book after book. Fight about pin, question relationships, etc.

[Vera mallard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caro Lamont, transplanted Texan and pet therapist is back in action. Graham Cash, Jake, and Caro share office space in the same building. After Cash ask Caro to watch his cat while he runs home on an errand and never returns, Caro finds Jake dead in Cash’s pool and she thinks Cash has been kidnapped. From there the action, mystery and suspense is on a roll in this cozy mystery. Caro just can’t help herself; she gets involved in the investigation much to the dismay of Detective Malone.

There is a lot going on in this book. Cash and Jake are techies that own a technology company which developed the Woofwalker app for healthy dogs, one is dead the other has disappeared, Caro is trying unsuccessfully to dodge her ex-husband and a noisy reporter, she is being followed by a black SUV, she is still fighting with her cousin over Grannie’s broach, and Sam her new interest is being lovable and calm during all the action.

Ms. Abbey created this story with all the needed ingredients for a good cozy mystery including touches of humor; she then brought all the pieces together to form a cohesive wonderful story that I enjoyed. She paced the story well as it never lagged; it kept my interest throughout the story. I found the book an easy read that was delightful. I loved the information on the Scottish Fold Cats as well as all the information on several breeds of dogs and the recipes at the end of the book were a bonus.

I recommend this book to anyone that likes cozy mysteries. It is well written and entertaining.

I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an honest review.

[Karen-Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone for tea and crumpets...and murder?

Caro Lamont, amateur sleuth and well-respected animal therapist to Laguna Beach’s pampered pets, works with office mate and tech wizard, Graham Cash, whose beloved Scottish Fold tabby cat, Toria, is purported to have anger management issues. But when Caro drops by the charming Brit’s Tudor-inspired mansion to return Toria, she finds his business partner dead and Cash missing.

Caro is left with the cuddly cat and a lot of unanswered questions. Is Cash the killer, or has he been kidnapped? What’s up with the angry next door neighbor? And what about Cash’s girlfriend, Heidi, who isn't sharing everything she knows with homicide detective Judd Malone?

Suddenly there are more secrets and intrigues than there are titles in England. Add in a stranger in a dark SUV stalking Caro, feisty senior sidekick, Betty, hiding in restaurant shrubbery, and wannabe investigative reporter Callum MacAvoy who seems to be constantly underfoot, and you've got a cat and mouse mystery of the first order.


Caro’s got to solve this murder before the killer lets the cat out of the bag.

[Angie Boyter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having been immersed in some fairly heavy reading recently, I thought I'd lighten up with a fun cozy mystery involving a cat. What's not to like? I could start with the main character. I just do not relate to women who constantly refer to the brand of clothing, jewelry, and other items they are wearing or carrying. That reaction is a matter of taste, and others might enjoy Caro, but most of the book is just too implausible. For one thing, these people all seem to be living a bit above what I would expect to be their means. A shop assistant in a pet boutique living in a gated community in Orange County CA, even in a cottage , stretches credulity a bit. And I know her boyfriend is supposed to be successful, but does he have to drive a Ferrari? And why would two tech billionaires share office space with a psychic and a pet therapist? I finished it because I wanted to find out whodunit (Actually it was very obvious early whodunit but not why.), and that was as unsatisfying as the rest of the book. I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the books in the series. At least it was short!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Downton Tabby is the seventh book in the Pampered Pets Mystery series by Sparkle Abbey. This is the second book I have read by these authors, two friends that write together, Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter. I love that the series is written about two different people, Melinda Langston, owner of Bow Wow Boutique, and Caro Lamont.

Downton Tabby is about Caro Lamont who is an animal therapist in Laguna Beach. Cash, Caro office mate, asks her to watch his cat, a tabby, while he is gone she gladly says yes. The mystery starts when she goes to Cash's house to return his cat and finds his business partner dead in the pool, and it is an obvious murder. On top of that Cash is no where to be found.

Dowton Tabby is a fast paced book that keeps you reading page after page until the very end. This delightful book also has humor and a good mystery also. I recommended this book for anyone who likes cozy mysteries.

[brr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Downtown Tabby

I have read the entire series to this point and have enjoyed all of them. While the theme is the same , the stories are very different. The ongoing feud between Cato and Melinda is like the old game of "Button Button who's got the button?" I recommend this series to anyone who likes a clean, easy to read mystery. Guaranteed to not scare the daylights out of you.

[Maggi Shelbourn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I am so glad that I found this series! The characters are engaging and quirky; people that I would love to have in my circle of friends. The books switch protagonists from cousin to cousin, but the stories all flow together as one seamless read. I can't get enough of the pampered pets and their beautiful people.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

How funny that I picked up this book to read on the same evening we had watched the last episode of Downton Abbey. It was also a light touch after reading about life in England at the end of the 18th century. I have already ordered more books by these authors.