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Danger Cove Pet Sitter Mystery #1
Passion, Poison & Puppy Dogs
From USA Today bestselling authors Sally J. Smith, Jean Steffens, and Elizabeth Ashby...
In this dog eat dog world, it’s people you have to keep your eye on.
When Lizzie Jones, pet sitter extraordinaire, is asked to watch over her best friend's two spoiled dogs at the posh gated community of Craggy Hill Estates, the last thing she expects is to wind up in the middle of a homicide. But that's exactly what happens when she finds her best friend's cheating husband and Danger Cove’s celebrity bodybuilder champ, Mr. Jupiter, floating facedown in his hot tub. To make matters worse, the police aren’t looking any further than the wife for a suspect—isn’t it always the wife? Well, not in this case—at least Lizzie refuses to believe it.
Between dealing with Craggy Hill's hot security guard, Tino Morales—who also just happens to be the man who broke Lizzie’s heart in high school, caring for her grieving friend, and watching three rambunctious dogs, Lizzie has her hands full. So she recruits her famous granddad, retired network field correspondent, Jimmy John Jones, to help her put two and two together to find the real killer. Was Mr. Jupiter murdered by one of his women on the side? A jealous, disgruntled employee? Or someone with a bitter and deep-seated hatred of the superstar? It's up to Lizzie, Jimmy John, and Lizzie's own pug, Vader, to crack the case before the killer claims another victim...this one much closer to Lizzie’s own heart!
The Danger Cove books:
Secret of the Painted Lady (a Danger Cove Renovation Mystery)
Murder and Mai Tais (a Danger Cove Cocktail Mystery)
Death by Scones (a Danger Cove Bakery Mystery)
Four-Patch of Trouble (a Danger Cove Quilting Mystery)
Deadly Dye and a Soy Chai (a Danger Cove Hair Salon Mystery)
Killer Closet Case (a Danger Cove B Mystery)
Tree of Life and Death (a Danger Cove Quilting Mystery)
A Killing in the Market (a Danger Cove Farmers' Market short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)
Killer Colada (a Danger Cove Cocktail Mystery)
Passion, Poison Puppy Dogs (a Danger Cove Pet Sitter Mystery)
A Novel Death (a Danger Cove Bookshop Mystery)
Robbing Peter to Kill Paul (a Danger Cove Quilting Mystery)
Sinister Snickerdoodles (a Danger Cove Bakery Mystery)
Hurricanes and Heroes (a Danger Cove Cocktail Mystery)
A Death in the Flower Garden (a Danger Cove Famers' Market Mystery)
Divas, Diamonds Death (a Danger Cove Pet Sitter Mystery)
A Slaying in the Orchard (a Danger Cove Famers' Market Mystery)
A Secret in the Pumpkin Patch (a Danger Cove Famers' Market Mystery)
Deadly Dirty Martinis (a Danger Cove Cocktail Mystery)
A Poison Manicure and Peach Liqueur (a Danger Cove Hair Salon Mystery)
About Danger Cove:
Danger Cove is a sleepy little town in the Pacific Northwest and home to renowned mystery novelist, Elizabeth Ashby. While Elizabeth swears the stories she writes are fiction, you can find the inspiration for her murderous tales all over Danger Cove...from the intriguing cast of local characters to the places to eat, play, and explore in Danger Cove. Don't let our name fool you—we're the friendliest (even if deadliest) town in the Pacific Northwest!
In this dog eat dog world, it’s people you have to keep your eye on.
When Lizzie Jones, pet sitter extraordinaire, is asked to watch over her best friend's two spoiled dogs at the posh gated community of Craggy Hill Estates, the last thing she expects is to wind up in the middle of a homicide. But that's exactly what happens when she finds her best friend's cheating husband and Danger Cove’s celebrity bodybuilder champ, Mr. Jupiter, floating facedown in his hot tub. To make matters worse, the police aren’t looking any further than the wife for a suspect—isn’t it always the wife? Well, not in this case—at least Lizzie refuses to believe it.
Between dealing with Craggy Hill's hot security guard, Tino Morales—who also just happens to be the man who broke Lizzie’s heart in high school, caring for her grieving friend, and watching three rambunctious dogs, Lizzie has her hands full. So she recruits her famous granddad, retired network field correspondent, Jimmy John Jones, to help her put two and two together to find the real killer. Was Mr. Jupiter murdered by one of his women on the side? A jealous, disgruntled employee? Or someone with a bitter and deep-seated hatred of the superstar? It's up to Lizzie, Jimmy John, and Lizzie's own pug, Vader, to crack the case before the killer claims another victim...this one much closer to Lizzie’s own heart!
The Danger Cove books:
Secret of the Painted Lady (a Danger Cove Renovation Mystery)
Murder and Mai Tais (a Danger Cove Cocktail Mystery)
Death by Scones (a Danger Cove Bakery Mystery)
Four-Patch of Trouble (a Danger Cove Quilting Mystery)
Deadly Dye and a Soy Chai (a Danger Cove Hair Salon Mystery)
Killer Closet Case (a Danger Cove B Mystery)
Tree of Life and Death (a Danger Cove Quilting Mystery)
A Killing in the Market (a Danger Cove Farmers' Market short story in the "Killer Beach Reads" collection)
Killer Colada (a Danger Cove Cocktail Mystery)
Passion, Poison Puppy Dogs (a Danger Cove Pet Sitter Mystery)
A Novel Death (a Danger Cove Bookshop Mystery)
Robbing Peter to Kill Paul (a Danger Cove Quilting Mystery)
Sinister Snickerdoodles (a Danger Cove Bakery Mystery)
Hurricanes and Heroes (a Danger Cove Cocktail Mystery)
A Death in the Flower Garden (a Danger Cove Famers' Market Mystery)
Divas, Diamonds Death (a Danger Cove Pet Sitter Mystery)
A Slaying in the Orchard (a Danger Cove Famers' Market Mystery)
A Secret in the Pumpkin Patch (a Danger Cove Famers' Market Mystery)
Deadly Dirty Martinis (a Danger Cove Cocktail Mystery)
A Poison Manicure and Peach Liqueur (a Danger Cove Hair Salon Mystery)
About Danger Cove:
Danger Cove is a sleepy little town in the Pacific Northwest and home to renowned mystery novelist, Elizabeth Ashby. While Elizabeth swears the stories she writes are fiction, you can find the inspiration for her murderous tales all over Danger Cove...from the intriguing cast of local characters to the places to eat, play, and explore in Danger Cove. Don't let our name fool you—we're the friendliest (even if deadliest) town in the Pacific Northwest!
ebook
Published April 26, 2016
113 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Ashby
53 books54 followersLocal resident Elizabeth Ashby was born and raised in Danger Cove and now uses her literary talent to tell stories about the town she knows and loves. Ms. Ashby has penned several Danger Cove Mysteries, which are published by Gemma Halliday Publishing. While she does admit to taking some poetic license in her storytelling, she loves to incorporate the real people and places of her hometown into her stories. She says anyone who visits Danger Cove is fair game for her poisoned pen, so tourists beware! When she's not writing, Ms. Ashby enjoys gardening, taking long walks along the Pacific coastline, and curling up with a hot cup of tea, her cat, Sherlock, and a thrilling novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 22, 2016
I have enjoyed all of the Danger Cove Mysteries. This book is the first in a new sub-series centered on pet sitter Lizzie Jones. Lizzie gets solid support from her grandfather a retired network reporter.
Lizzie's best friend, Caroline is married to the reigning Mr. Jupiter, a well known body builder.
Unfortunately, Caroline's husband, Brodie, ends up dead, face down in his own hot tub located in the gym at their residence.
Solid supporting characters, cameo appearances by characters from other Danger Cove books.
Can't wait to see where the characters go in a second entry in this part of the Danger Cove universe.
Lizzie's best friend, Caroline is married to the reigning Mr. Jupiter, a well known body builder.
Unfortunately, Caroline's husband, Brodie, ends up dead, face down in his own hot tub located in the gym at their residence.
Solid supporting characters, cameo appearances by characters from other Danger Cove books.
Can't wait to see where the characters go in a second entry in this part of the Danger Cove universe.
August 24, 2017
“Passion, Poison, & Puppy Dogs“ earns 5/5 Pet-Sitting Predicaments!
Lizzie Jones is getting her vet degree and living with her grandfather Jimmy John, a former network news correspondent, but she finds herself pet sitting to help pay the bills. This, of course, puts her into a precarious position when she discovers the dead body of one of her client’s husband. HIs fidelity is a question, and of course, the investigation puts the wife and her own BFF at the top of the ‘person of interest’ list.
The Danger Cove series is a multi-author project from Gemma Halliday Publishing, and “Passion, Poison, & Puppy Dogs” is the first book from writing team Sally J. Smith and Jean Steffens. We are introduced to Lizzie Jones in the Danger Cover Pet Sitters Mystery and led on a marvelous adventure of pet-sitting, quirky families, animals of all kinds, and murder. Lizzie is a novice when it comes to investigating murder, but helping her friends, collaborating with her grandfather and a her new boyfriend Augustine ‘Tino' Morales, and the occasional ‘fur-friend’ defines her and makes for an exciting adventure. It’s a page-turning journey through a fun grandfather/granddaughter dynamic, growing love interest navigating family quirks, signature Smith & Steffens’ twists and turns and several laughs, and a very entertaining “Oh my!” conclusion. The characters are well developed even in a first book all due to Smith & Steffens’ talent as writers. And for animal lovers we have Vader, the cute pug, along with the ins and outs of the pet sitting business. We are also treated to an easy to follow vegetarian delight, The Thirsty Leprechaun Vinegar and Salt Potato Bites.
Lizzie Jones is getting her vet degree and living with her grandfather Jimmy John, a former network news correspondent, but she finds herself pet sitting to help pay the bills. This, of course, puts her into a precarious position when she discovers the dead body of one of her client’s husband. HIs fidelity is a question, and of course, the investigation puts the wife and her own BFF at the top of the ‘person of interest’ list.
The Danger Cove series is a multi-author project from Gemma Halliday Publishing, and “Passion, Poison, & Puppy Dogs” is the first book from writing team Sally J. Smith and Jean Steffens. We are introduced to Lizzie Jones in the Danger Cover Pet Sitters Mystery and led on a marvelous adventure of pet-sitting, quirky families, animals of all kinds, and murder. Lizzie is a novice when it comes to investigating murder, but helping her friends, collaborating with her grandfather and a her new boyfriend Augustine ‘Tino' Morales, and the occasional ‘fur-friend’ defines her and makes for an exciting adventure. It’s a page-turning journey through a fun grandfather/granddaughter dynamic, growing love interest navigating family quirks, signature Smith & Steffens’ twists and turns and several laughs, and a very entertaining “Oh my!” conclusion. The characters are well developed even in a first book all due to Smith & Steffens’ talent as writers. And for animal lovers we have Vader, the cute pug, along with the ins and outs of the pet sitting business. We are also treated to an easy to follow vegetarian delight, The Thirsty Leprechaun Vinegar and Salt Potato Bites.
April 27, 2020
Lizzie is seriously busy, she is slowly training for a Doctorate in Veterinary Science, volunteering at the local animal shelter and funding the former by being a live in pet sitter for Danger Cove, her latest job involves her and her pug Vader (so called because of his wheezing!) moving into a gated community whilst a body builder Mr Jupiter (stage name) is off on the BB circuit and his wife (Caroline) is away. The only problem is the two spoiled dogs keep howling and when the local security guard turns out to be the hot boy (now man) who turned her down for the Sadie Hawkins dance and the two of them discover a dead body then Lizzie's life starts spiralling out of control! The thing is Tino seems determined to make up for that disappointment and he and Lizzie, along with Lizzie's Grandfather/Guardian Jimmy John Jones start digging a little more deeply that the police chief has done - can they protect Caroline from ending up spending the rest of her days in an orange jumpsuit?
June 6, 2022
Found on a free site, this book was a lot of fun, and had an exciting storyline. Highly recommended.
June 4, 2016
Although I've been trying to work my way through the Danger Cove Mysteries in chronological order, I couldn't resist skipping ahead when I saw that this new release had a heroine who was a pet sitter! I am a diehard dog lover, so Lizzie Jones's profession, as well as the strong presence of animals in the book was very appealing to me.
The premise of Passion, Poison & Puppy Dogs was certainly a unique one! Lizzie finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation when she mansion/pet sits for her BFF, Caroline, who's in the process of splitting from her cheating husband, Brodie aka Mr. Jupiter, a title-holding bodybuilder. Unfortunately, there's death, not divorce, in Brodie's future as Lizzie finds him drowned in the hot tub of his at-home gym. The police quickly zero in on Caroline as the prime suspect since she had the most to gain from his passing, but Lizzie thinks there are other more viable candidates, including Brodie's numerous conquests, their jealous husbands, and his possibly money-skimming assistant and accountant. She sets out to unmask the real killer, with the help of her grandfather Jimmy John (a former investigative journalist), Tino (the neighborhood security guard who was also Lizzie's crush in high school), and a trio of clue-discovering canines.
This was a fun, lighthearted mystery with a few heroine-in-peril moments that were real nail-biters. I loved all the characterizations and the different dynamics Lizzie had with everyone. She and Tino had good chemistry on the page, and Lizzie's relationship with her grandfather was really sweet and nuanced. I do wish that the murder scene at the beginning of the book had been described in more detail as I felt like I was missing important information, e.g. Was Brodie clothed or in a swimsuit? Was he in a sitting position, or did it look like he'd fallen in? Despite that, I did have a guess about the identity of the murderer early on that turned out to be right. Also, as much as I enjoyed Lizzie and Tino, I was wondering where the obstacles and/or conflict for them was as their relationship seemed to progress very smoothly and easily.
I will certainly be reading the next Pet Sitter Mystery and recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good cozy!
The premise of Passion, Poison & Puppy Dogs was certainly a unique one! Lizzie finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation when she mansion/pet sits for her BFF, Caroline, who's in the process of splitting from her cheating husband, Brodie aka Mr. Jupiter, a title-holding bodybuilder. Unfortunately, there's death, not divorce, in Brodie's future as Lizzie finds him drowned in the hot tub of his at-home gym. The police quickly zero in on Caroline as the prime suspect since she had the most to gain from his passing, but Lizzie thinks there are other more viable candidates, including Brodie's numerous conquests, their jealous husbands, and his possibly money-skimming assistant and accountant. She sets out to unmask the real killer, with the help of her grandfather Jimmy John (a former investigative journalist), Tino (the neighborhood security guard who was also Lizzie's crush in high school), and a trio of clue-discovering canines.
This was a fun, lighthearted mystery with a few heroine-in-peril moments that were real nail-biters. I loved all the characterizations and the different dynamics Lizzie had with everyone. She and Tino had good chemistry on the page, and Lizzie's relationship with her grandfather was really sweet and nuanced. I do wish that the murder scene at the beginning of the book had been described in more detail as I felt like I was missing important information, e.g. Was Brodie clothed or in a swimsuit? Was he in a sitting position, or did it look like he'd fallen in? Despite that, I did have a guess about the identity of the murderer early on that turned out to be right. Also, as much as I enjoyed Lizzie and Tino, I was wondering where the obstacles and/or conflict for them was as their relationship seemed to progress very smoothly and easily.
I will certainly be reading the next Pet Sitter Mystery and recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good cozy!
June 10, 2016
I love dogs so the book title interested me from the start! and what a title to grab you - after all what could go wrong with passion and poison and puppy dogs?! but not to worry, no puppy dogs are harmed in the writing of this book!
This book is part of a series about a town called Danger Cove. I don't think it is a very small town, but most people know each other so there is no getting away with anything. Lizzie is a pet sitter/vet student. I have to give her props for not racking up student loan debt! She runs into a high school crush, Tino, and a relationship begins.
But let's not forget the murder! Her best friend's husband is killed and of course the wife is the primary suspect since a divorce was pending.
There is more to the story than just the murder of Mr. Jupiter (body builder with not a lot of brains in his head or so it would seem). There is theft of his money (or at least some of it), a crazy sister and then the 3 mistresses. Let's just say he had a lot going on in his life.
As far as the mystery goes, there are not a ton of people to suspect, so I was pretty sure I knew who did it, I just didn't know why. But that didn't detract from the story and I enjoyed it all the way until the end.
This book is part of a series about a town called Danger Cove. I don't think it is a very small town, but most people know each other so there is no getting away with anything. Lizzie is a pet sitter/vet student. I have to give her props for not racking up student loan debt! She runs into a high school crush, Tino, and a relationship begins.
But let's not forget the murder! Her best friend's husband is killed and of course the wife is the primary suspect since a divorce was pending.
There is more to the story than just the murder of Mr. Jupiter (body builder with not a lot of brains in his head or so it would seem). There is theft of his money (or at least some of it), a crazy sister and then the 3 mistresses. Let's just say he had a lot going on in his life.
As far as the mystery goes, there are not a ton of people to suspect, so I was pretty sure I knew who did it, I just didn't know why. But that didn't detract from the story and I enjoyed it all the way until the end.
April 17, 2016
4-1/2 Stars! A humor-filled, head-scratching mystery that is a stand-alone read in the Danger Cove Pet Sitter Mystery series. Animal lover, Lizzie Jones, is a veterinary student working between semesters as a pet sitter and dog groomer. She enjoys an affectionate friendship with her grandfather, Jimmy John Jones, a spry man with a sharp mind who dates Fran, owner of a local Animal Rescue. Caroline, Lizzie's best friend, has a cheating husband who's no sooner filed for divorce when he's found floating face down in the hot tub in his gym on their lavish estate. Caroline is the main suspect, despite her out-of-town alibi. However, her friends rally with support, determined to expose the real killer soon. Lizzie becomes friends with a sexy security guard, Tino, who is a tremendous help in the sleuthing. I enjoyed the pets in this story--Caroline's Boxers, Gil and Fabio; and Lizzie's adorable Pug, Vader; as they bravely helped dig up clues to the mystery and protect their beloved owners. Great story!
I received a complimentary ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2017
Proving an old adage about too many cooks
Three authors team up to deliver the tale of a dog-watcher and amateur sleuth tackling the murder of her best friend’s husband in Passion, Poison and Puppy Dogs. Sound familiar? Sure, it’s been done dozens of times. But don’t forget, this book features puppy dogs.
Whenever I see a book written by committee, I think twice. Some teams have produced riveting novels, even series (I’m thinking of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child), but those partnerships are rare and I’ve never seen it work with three. The same goes for movies by committee. The results tend to produce common formulas and familiar tropes. Why? Because you now have three distinct styles and artistic tastes competing for attention. The need to compromise inevitably compromises the results.
Smith and Steffens always write as partners, and Ashby always writes with someone else (although she claims ownership of the Danger Cove series, of which this is book nine).
Art isn’t democracy, and I couldn’t avoid that feeling as I slogged through the pages of Puppy Dogs. I never disliked it, but I can’t help but feel I’d have put it aside were I not reviewing it. The book is solid, the writing competent, but sometimes solid doesn’t satisfy. You want special, and I felt nothing special about the book.
Lizzie Jones sits pets, offers rules to fit any occasion and hopes her pet sitting job will one day earn enough money to send her to college. Her ambition, veterinary science. In the meantime, she pitches in with her grandfather Jimmy John and his girlfriend Fran, who runs an animal shelter. Her best friend Caroline, Fran’s niece, won the lottery. She married championship weight lifter Brodie McDougal, lives in a mansion, drives a Mercedes and lives the high life. Unfortunately, McDougal wants to divorce Caroline because he’s got the hots for someone else. So Caroline wants to go on a week-long shopping spree and bankrupt her husband, and that shopping spree includes an all-expenses paid live-in, house and pet sitting gig for Lizzie, where she happens to bump into Tino, the subdivision security guard, whom she hated in high school, but, boy, did he grow up sexy.
Wait, you ask, where’s the murder? Oh, that’s right. After the authors introduce readers to the joys comfy, cozy Danger Cove (the series’ location), the authors remember to kill McDougal, a murder Lizzie discovers (after lusting over Tino) only because the dogs alert her to the fact something’s wrong. The book returns to Danger Cove life almost immediately, and the pace continues. One part mystery, three parts life in Danger Cover.
When the authors hit the formula right, the book has its moments. The Viking funeral is one of the funniest scenes I’ve read, but once McDougal’s ashes come to rest the author’s returned to the same plodding plotting. The thrills don’t pick up again until Chapter 23, when (Oops….Spoiler alert!!!).
I’d like to write this off as genre formula. Puppy Dogs is chick lit. Female readers tend to prefer more engagement with the characters and setting. Beware, however, Puppy Dogs is far more chick lit than mystery. The mystery serves more as a plot device to drive the characters. Unfortunately, the supporting characters such as the bank manager Abigail Harris, and the Dooley Brothers, town undertakers, deliver more entertainment than Lizzie and her entourage.
This is the only Danger Cove book I’ve read so I can’t say how well it matches up to others in the series. I suspect Danger Cove fans will still enjoy it. Readers of character-based mysteries will most likely be happy with it. Readers who love tight plotting, vivid characters and dialogue that drives the novel not stalls it should look for something else. Readers who want fast-paced action probably would click to another title as soon as they see the cute cover, and they’d be right.
Fans of Danger Cove may love this book, but if you are looking to make your entry into the series, I wouldn’t start with this one. Puppy Dogs proves that ancient adage—two collaborate; three muddy the waters.
Rating system:
5 = Delicious dialogue, crisp prose, clever characters & compelling plot
4 = Great read, won’t want to stop (Some reviewers rate this 5 stars)
3 = Worth buying (but…)
2 = I will tell you what audience will like this, but other readers might want to look elsewhere
1 = If I review a book this bad I felt seriously compelled to warn you
Phillip T. Stephens is the author of Cigerets, Guns & Beer, Raising Hell and the new release Seeing Jesus. You can follow him @stephens_pt.
Three authors team up to deliver the tale of a dog-watcher and amateur sleuth tackling the murder of her best friend’s husband in Passion, Poison and Puppy Dogs. Sound familiar? Sure, it’s been done dozens of times. But don’t forget, this book features puppy dogs.
Whenever I see a book written by committee, I think twice. Some teams have produced riveting novels, even series (I’m thinking of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child), but those partnerships are rare and I’ve never seen it work with three. The same goes for movies by committee. The results tend to produce common formulas and familiar tropes. Why? Because you now have three distinct styles and artistic tastes competing for attention. The need to compromise inevitably compromises the results.
Smith and Steffens always write as partners, and Ashby always writes with someone else (although she claims ownership of the Danger Cove series, of which this is book nine).
Art isn’t democracy, and I couldn’t avoid that feeling as I slogged through the pages of Puppy Dogs. I never disliked it, but I can’t help but feel I’d have put it aside were I not reviewing it. The book is solid, the writing competent, but sometimes solid doesn’t satisfy. You want special, and I felt nothing special about the book.
Lizzie Jones sits pets, offers rules to fit any occasion and hopes her pet sitting job will one day earn enough money to send her to college. Her ambition, veterinary science. In the meantime, she pitches in with her grandfather Jimmy John and his girlfriend Fran, who runs an animal shelter. Her best friend Caroline, Fran’s niece, won the lottery. She married championship weight lifter Brodie McDougal, lives in a mansion, drives a Mercedes and lives the high life. Unfortunately, McDougal wants to divorce Caroline because he’s got the hots for someone else. So Caroline wants to go on a week-long shopping spree and bankrupt her husband, and that shopping spree includes an all-expenses paid live-in, house and pet sitting gig for Lizzie, where she happens to bump into Tino, the subdivision security guard, whom she hated in high school, but, boy, did he grow up sexy.
Wait, you ask, where’s the murder? Oh, that’s right. After the authors introduce readers to the joys comfy, cozy Danger Cove (the series’ location), the authors remember to kill McDougal, a murder Lizzie discovers (after lusting over Tino) only because the dogs alert her to the fact something’s wrong. The book returns to Danger Cove life almost immediately, and the pace continues. One part mystery, three parts life in Danger Cover.
When the authors hit the formula right, the book has its moments. The Viking funeral is one of the funniest scenes I’ve read, but once McDougal’s ashes come to rest the author’s returned to the same plodding plotting. The thrills don’t pick up again until Chapter 23, when (Oops….Spoiler alert!!!).
I’d like to write this off as genre formula. Puppy Dogs is chick lit. Female readers tend to prefer more engagement with the characters and setting. Beware, however, Puppy Dogs is far more chick lit than mystery. The mystery serves more as a plot device to drive the characters. Unfortunately, the supporting characters such as the bank manager Abigail Harris, and the Dooley Brothers, town undertakers, deliver more entertainment than Lizzie and her entourage.
This is the only Danger Cove book I’ve read so I can’t say how well it matches up to others in the series. I suspect Danger Cove fans will still enjoy it. Readers of character-based mysteries will most likely be happy with it. Readers who love tight plotting, vivid characters and dialogue that drives the novel not stalls it should look for something else. Readers who want fast-paced action probably would click to another title as soon as they see the cute cover, and they’d be right.
Fans of Danger Cove may love this book, but if you are looking to make your entry into the series, I wouldn’t start with this one. Puppy Dogs proves that ancient adage—two collaborate; three muddy the waters.
Rating system:
5 = Delicious dialogue, crisp prose, clever characters & compelling plot
4 = Great read, won’t want to stop (Some reviewers rate this 5 stars)
3 = Worth buying (but…)
2 = I will tell you what audience will like this, but other readers might want to look elsewhere
1 = If I review a book this bad I felt seriously compelled to warn you
Phillip T. Stephens is the author of Cigerets, Guns & Beer, Raising Hell and the new release Seeing Jesus. You can follow him @stephens_pt.
February 27, 2018
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
It's 4.5 stars for the story and 4.5 overall, really.
As cozy mysteries go, this is one of the good ones, with quite an interesting crime plot, investigation taking us here, there, and back again, as many suspects as you can think of, and a rollercoster kind of ending. There is a bunch of characters you like from the start, some that you may feel indifferent to and one or two that you'd really avoid in real life:)
The main character, Lizzie, is a likeable veterinarian in training, whose love for dogs and her best friend throws her in the middle of a murder investigation. As the police - one officer especially - are convinced that "the wife did it" Lizzie has to put on the shoes of a PI and with the help of her grandpa and a newly acquired boyfriend discover who really killed Mr. Jupiter:)
The plot is very fast-paced, with ideas as to who the killer might be jumping from virtually every other conversation Lizzie has with the inhabitants of Danger Cove and her fellow PIs; sometimes you have a feeling there are really too many of them... The dialogues are quite witty, especially the ones between Lizzie and Tony, her high school crush she just recently discovered had also had a crush on her. So, there is quite a romance in the air, too:)
The only thing that may bother you while reading/listening is that some of the ideas or twists and turns follow a certain predictable pattern but as it is a characteristic feature of the genre, I only took half a star away from my rating.
As for the interpretation, it is very good. Ms Hickman is a wonderful narrator with a very pleasant voice, the pace of her reading is just right and while she is good at differentiating voices, she doesn't overdo them or overact.
All in all, it's an interesting and relaxing cozy mystery listen.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's 4.5 stars for the story and 4.5 overall, really.
As cozy mysteries go, this is one of the good ones, with quite an interesting crime plot, investigation taking us here, there, and back again, as many suspects as you can think of, and a rollercoster kind of ending. There is a bunch of characters you like from the start, some that you may feel indifferent to and one or two that you'd really avoid in real life:)
The main character, Lizzie, is a likeable veterinarian in training, whose love for dogs and her best friend throws her in the middle of a murder investigation. As the police - one officer especially - are convinced that "the wife did it" Lizzie has to put on the shoes of a PI and with the help of her grandpa and a newly acquired boyfriend discover who really killed Mr. Jupiter:)
The plot is very fast-paced, with ideas as to who the killer might be jumping from virtually every other conversation Lizzie has with the inhabitants of Danger Cove and her fellow PIs; sometimes you have a feeling there are really too many of them... The dialogues are quite witty, especially the ones between Lizzie and Tony, her high school crush she just recently discovered had also had a crush on her. So, there is quite a romance in the air, too:)
The only thing that may bother you while reading/listening is that some of the ideas or twists and turns follow a certain predictable pattern but as it is a characteristic feature of the genre, I only took half a star away from my rating.
As for the interpretation, it is very good. Ms Hickman is a wonderful narrator with a very pleasant voice, the pace of her reading is just right and while she is good at differentiating voices, she doesn't overdo them or overact.
All in all, it's an interesting and relaxing cozy mystery listen.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 23, 2022
When Lizzie Jones finds celebrity bodybuilder, Mr. Jupiter, lying face down in his hot tub, a quiet week in her best friend's posh home comes to a screeching end. Lizzie's best friend, Caroline, married to Mr. Jupiter (Brodie McDougal), is in the throes of a divorce when he's found dead. Caroline is on her way to a shopping spree in LA -- to bleed Brodie dry before the divorce (real loving character). Lizzie is a loser too. She hopes to be a veterinarian; she's finished her bachelor's degree and is currently a dog walker. That girl's got ambition, doesn't she? To show you Lizzie's batting 1000: She takes up with someone who turned her down for a date 10-years ago.
About midway, I realized why I wasn't enjoying this book much. It came about while Lizzie and her friend were at a book club meeting. There was a discussion on whether a highlander's wench was 'trashy' because she was attracted to the highland hero, his two brothers, and three of his clansmen -- all at the same time. Lizzie didn't have a problem with that, but most women at the book club meeting thought the woman was trashy. Only authors with insufficient plot material would put this in a book.
Frankly, I didn't care much about any of the characters. Most of the characters were mean-spirited (the victim, his wife {see paragraph one}, Brodie's parents, Brodie's sister, Brodie's thieving manager, Detective Luther Marshall, etc.). I love dogs, but I couldn't care less about these three pets. The pup on the cover suckered me into this book. At the end of the book, I noticed that a committee of three wrote this mystery. Well, that explains everything. I won't be returning to the scene of this crime.
Danger Cove Mystery
** 9. Passion, Poison & Puppy Dogs (2016)(with Elizabeth Ashby and Jean Steffens)
15. Divas, Diamonds& Death (2017) (with Elizabeth Ashby and Jean Steffens)
About midway, I realized why I wasn't enjoying this book much. It came about while Lizzie and her friend were at a book club meeting. There was a discussion on whether a highlander's wench was 'trashy' because she was attracted to the highland hero, his two brothers, and three of his clansmen -- all at the same time. Lizzie didn't have a problem with that, but most women at the book club meeting thought the woman was trashy. Only authors with insufficient plot material would put this in a book.
Frankly, I didn't care much about any of the characters. Most of the characters were mean-spirited (the victim, his wife {see paragraph one}, Brodie's parents, Brodie's sister, Brodie's thieving manager, Detective Luther Marshall, etc.). I love dogs, but I couldn't care less about these three pets. The pup on the cover suckered me into this book. At the end of the book, I noticed that a committee of three wrote this mystery. Well, that explains everything. I won't be returning to the scene of this crime.
Danger Cove Mystery
** 9. Passion, Poison & Puppy Dogs (2016)(with Elizabeth Ashby and Jean Steffens)
15. Divas, Diamonds& Death (2017) (with Elizabeth Ashby and Jean Steffens)
September 15, 2024
Passion, Poison, and Puppy Dogs
Murder and mystery abound in Danger Cove. In this one, Lizzy (a pet sitter and hopeful veterinarian student) is helping out her best friend, Caroline, who is accused of murdering her husband. Especially when the police find out they were getting a divorce. But Lizzy is certain Caroline is innocent. She enlists the help of her grandfather, Jimmy Jones- an old newspaper reporter—and Tino, a local (hottie) security guard to help her find the real killer. There are plenty of suspects, though the one detective refuses to look anywhere but who he believes is the killer—Caroline. Lizzy, Jimmy, and Tino go to work, and when they do discover who the real one is, it’s almost too late for Caroline.
The characters are realistic, though I will admit to a definite distaste for Detective Mallery. He is really awful. But a great character in that the author really makes me dislike him! I love that Jimmy and Caroline’s aunt Fran are a couple. Those two belong together. All in all, the characters run the story, and they work well here. Like the other books in the series, the town of Danger Cove and the surrounding ocean, inlet, and Pirate’s Hook island make up the scenery as well as some of the businesses in the town.
Overall, a good addition to the series. Recommended.
Disclaimer: All opinions and thoughts are my own and are not influenced or solicited by anyone.
Murder and mystery abound in Danger Cove. In this one, Lizzy (a pet sitter and hopeful veterinarian student) is helping out her best friend, Caroline, who is accused of murdering her husband. Especially when the police find out they were getting a divorce. But Lizzy is certain Caroline is innocent. She enlists the help of her grandfather, Jimmy Jones- an old newspaper reporter—and Tino, a local (hottie) security guard to help her find the real killer. There are plenty of suspects, though the one detective refuses to look anywhere but who he believes is the killer—Caroline. Lizzy, Jimmy, and Tino go to work, and when they do discover who the real one is, it’s almost too late for Caroline.
The characters are realistic, though I will admit to a definite distaste for Detective Mallery. He is really awful. But a great character in that the author really makes me dislike him! I love that Jimmy and Caroline’s aunt Fran are a couple. Those two belong together. All in all, the characters run the story, and they work well here. Like the other books in the series, the town of Danger Cove and the surrounding ocean, inlet, and Pirate’s Hook island make up the scenery as well as some of the businesses in the town.
Overall, a good addition to the series. Recommended.
Disclaimer: All opinions and thoughts are my own and are not influenced or solicited by anyone.
November 25, 2025
I did enjoy this book but thought with the job of dog sitter and the title that the dogs would have played a bigger role in the story. Although I guess if the dog sitter had listened to the dogs the mystery would have been solved a lot sooner, instead she was to caught up in her own love life and running around town. I did like the characters, especially the elderly sleuths. The mystery was interesting with a number of suspects. Not my favourite Danger Cover story but as each book is written by a different author and follows different characters it's still fun to see which characters you recognise.
When Lizzie's best friend asks her to help spend her soon to be ex husband money, She jumps at the chance to dog sit while her friend goes on holiday. Unfortunately the dogs soon find the cheating husband floating in the hot tub. The police summon her friend back from her holiday and promptly arrest her for murder. With the police not looking for any body else, Lizzie has no choice but to team up with her high school crush and question the dead man's mistresses. Can she uncover the killer and clear her friends name?
When Lizzie's best friend asks her to help spend her soon to be ex husband money, She jumps at the chance to dog sit while her friend goes on holiday. Unfortunately the dogs soon find the cheating husband floating in the hot tub. The police summon her friend back from her holiday and promptly arrest her for murder. With the police not looking for any body else, Lizzie has no choice but to team up with her high school crush and question the dead man's mistresses. Can she uncover the killer and clear her friends name?
September 17, 2024
Passion, Poison, and Puppy Dogs
Lizzie and her best friend Caroline had been best friends and childhood buddies since grade school. So when Caroline is accused of murdering her new husband it was time for Lizzie and her Grandfather to begin the hunt for the real killer. As a veterinary student Lizzie has animals around her all the time so she goes on the hunt with Caroline's two dogs and her own pup at her side. Will she be able to sort thru all the suspects. And free Caroline?
Lizzie and her best friend Caroline had been best friends and childhood buddies since grade school. So when Caroline is accused of murdering her new husband it was time for Lizzie and her Grandfather to begin the hunt for the real killer. As a veterinary student Lizzie has animals around her all the time so she goes on the hunt with Caroline's two dogs and her own pup at her side. Will she be able to sort thru all the suspects. And free Caroline?
July 15, 2017
Another great Danger Cove cozy mystery.
This was a very entertaining read. This book is part of an ongoing series written by different authors and can be read in any order. The mystery kept me guessing and I stayed up reading past my bedtime. The characters were fully developed and interesting. I would recommend this book and this entire series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
This was a very entertaining read. This book is part of an ongoing series written by different authors and can be read in any order. The mystery kept me guessing and I stayed up reading past my bedtime. The characters were fully developed and interesting. I would recommend this book and this entire series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
February 13, 2018
This is my first book in the Danger cove pet sitter series. I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review. For me what was not to like a great mystery, great characters, and dogs! This is a recipe for a great story. The narrator Angie Hickman had me hooked from the first. I just found myself going back for more. Win win as far as I am concerned.
March 26, 2018
Such an interesting story...the characters are very well written. I love the relationships with every one. I enjoy the whole series even though the books are written by different authors. I wish there is another part to this one because I would love to know more of what happens to them. Great story that I would highly recommend for everyone to read..loved it
July 3, 2018
Pet sitting the dogs and a dead body wasn't what she agreed too
Awesome! Pet sitting is supposed to be stress free. But what happens when you discover the body of your best friends husband? Stress doesn't even start to cover it! Between her and her grandfather can the solve the case, clear her best friend and bag a romantic interest. Read and see.
Awesome! Pet sitting is supposed to be stress free. But what happens when you discover the body of your best friends husband? Stress doesn't even start to cover it! Between her and her grandfather can the solve the case, clear her best friend and bag a romantic interest. Read and see.
May 23, 2023
Lizzie is asked to babysit her best friends dogs while she goes on a shopping spree, to make up for her husband Mr Jupiter plans to divorce her. The dogs lead Lizzie to the gym where Mr Jupiter is floating in the spa. The police suspect Caroline and Lizzie with the help of Tino and her grandfather. Great reading fast paced with a little romance mixed in
August 6, 2025
I just found a new series!
Danger Cove seems to be a cool place to live. Each book has reoccurring characters but centers on one story (crime, romance, etc)
This book is a step above your standard cozy. It's well written, with interesting characters and a strong plot. Who killed the famous but nasty body builder? Read this book and find out!
Danger Cove seems to be a cool place to live. Each book has reoccurring characters but centers on one story (crime, romance, etc)
This book is a step above your standard cozy. It's well written, with interesting characters and a strong plot. Who killed the famous but nasty body builder? Read this book and find out!
February 14, 2021
Love this book! A fantastic addition to the Danger Cover series. Lizzie is one of my new favorite people in DC and she is surrounded by interesting, fun, & wacky family and friends. So many twists & turns to keep me guessing how it will end makes this a must read.
July 21, 2025
so good!
This was a very entertaining and interesting story. I love animals (especially dogs), too so I really liked all the characters with animals and how much they loved them. I really enjoyed this book and how the dogs were the heroes . Well written and fun to read.
This was a very entertaining and interesting story. I love animals (especially dogs), too so I really liked all the characters with animals and how much they loved them. I really enjoyed this book and how the dogs were the heroes . Well written and fun to read.
July 15, 2021
really enjoyed the story...
May 31, 2022
Excellent mystery.
June 6, 2022
Passion,Poison & Puppy Dogs
Sally J. Smith wrote a wonderful adventurous book. It was fun and kept my attention to the very end of the book.
Sally J. Smith wrote a wonderful adventurous book. It was fun and kept my attention to the very end of the book.
December 16, 2022
Loved it!
I loved the book. It was full of great characters trying to solve a mystery. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I loved the book. It was full of great characters trying to solve a mystery. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
March 3, 2017
Another classic Danger Cove.
Really enjoying this series with so many wonderful authors. Lots of fun and a good mystery to sole in every one.
Really enjoying this series with so many wonderful authors. Lots of fun and a good mystery to sole in every one.
May 31, 2018
Lizzie Jones, has been asked to watch her best friend's two dogs at the fancy home that she shares with her husband. While there, Lizzie finds herself in the middle of a homicide investigation. She stumbles across her best friend's cheating husband and Danger Cove’s celebrity bodybuilder champ, Mr. Jupiter, floating facedown in his hot tub. The police aren’t looking any further than her best friend as the main suspect. Can Lizzie find out who really killed Mr. Jupiter & clear her friends name?
April 25, 2016
Passion, Poison, and Puppy Dogs
Sally J. Smith and Jean Steffens
Charming Characters and an Absorbing Mystery
Lizzie Jones, who supports her veterinary studies by pet sitting, discovers a body in her client’s hot tub. The victim turns out to be her best friend Caroline’s husband, a famous body builder. When Caroline is targeted as a suspect, Lizzie sets out to find the real killer and save her friend.
This book will appeal to readers who like richly developed characters—appearance, clothes, mannerisms all work together to create people who are fun to watch. In her investigation, Lizzie has help from her grandpa, Jimmy John Jones, and her new love interest, Tino Morales. Very appealing is the growing relationship between Tino and Lizzie, especially a scene involving Tino’s family and Lizzie’s dancing ability. Lizzie is a likable young woman—she is loyal to her friends, has a great sense of humor, and is a go-getter at solving the murder. By the mystery’s end, the reader can clearly picture Lizzie and her posse of investigators, and is cheering for them!
The plot moves along at a brisk pace as Lizzie untangles the victim’s secret love life. She chases down various high-maintenance ladies and persuades them to reveal whether they have alibis. Lizzie brings in experts to figure out whether the body builders’ handlers were messing with his money. Intermixed with these searches for suspects are Lizzie’s pet-sitting duties (all the animals are fun), a wake and a funeral, and cute scenes with her boyfriend Tino.
Sally J. Smith and Jean Steffens
Charming Characters and an Absorbing Mystery
Lizzie Jones, who supports her veterinary studies by pet sitting, discovers a body in her client’s hot tub. The victim turns out to be her best friend Caroline’s husband, a famous body builder. When Caroline is targeted as a suspect, Lizzie sets out to find the real killer and save her friend.
This book will appeal to readers who like richly developed characters—appearance, clothes, mannerisms all work together to create people who are fun to watch. In her investigation, Lizzie has help from her grandpa, Jimmy John Jones, and her new love interest, Tino Morales. Very appealing is the growing relationship between Tino and Lizzie, especially a scene involving Tino’s family and Lizzie’s dancing ability. Lizzie is a likable young woman—she is loyal to her friends, has a great sense of humor, and is a go-getter at solving the murder. By the mystery’s end, the reader can clearly picture Lizzie and her posse of investigators, and is cheering for them!
The plot moves along at a brisk pace as Lizzie untangles the victim’s secret love life. She chases down various high-maintenance ladies and persuades them to reveal whether they have alibis. Lizzie brings in experts to figure out whether the body builders’ handlers were messing with his money. Intermixed with these searches for suspects are Lizzie’s pet-sitting duties (all the animals are fun), a wake and a funeral, and cute scenes with her boyfriend Tino.
May 11, 2016
I haven't read anything by Elizabeth Ashby before, but when I took part in a blitz, which highlighted this book, I knew I had to read it. It sounded so fun, exciting and cute. Well, it definitely lives up to the blurb, and more.
I really liked the light-hearted nature to the mystery. A lot of it felt very tongue-in-cheek and was a good bit of fun. It was an easy read, but one that kept me excited and guessing, which I really enjoyed. I also liked that her cute little pug, Vader, was in on solving the mystery as well.
I really liked the characters that Ashby created for us. There was a good blend of different personalities, really making it feel like a proper community. Each of the characters had a range of characteristics and definitely interacted with our main character is a variety of ways, depending on how she approached them and for what reason. This made it both fun and real to read.
The pace was good. It was a nice, steady pace throughout, really giving you the opportunity to take in and enjoy everything that was happening. It also meant that it was a read that you could just relax with and have some you time. I also that that the pace matched our main character's personality and method of working.
Overall, this was a great read. I'll be going back to have a look at all her previous books!
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I really liked the light-hearted nature to the mystery. A lot of it felt very tongue-in-cheek and was a good bit of fun. It was an easy read, but one that kept me excited and guessing, which I really enjoyed. I also liked that her cute little pug, Vader, was in on solving the mystery as well.
I really liked the characters that Ashby created for us. There was a good blend of different personalities, really making it feel like a proper community. Each of the characters had a range of characteristics and definitely interacted with our main character is a variety of ways, depending on how she approached them and for what reason. This made it both fun and real to read.
The pace was good. It was a nice, steady pace throughout, really giving you the opportunity to take in and enjoy everything that was happening. It also meant that it was a read that you could just relax with and have some you time. I also that that the pace matched our main character's personality and method of working.
Overall, this was a great read. I'll be going back to have a look at all her previous books!
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 29, 2016
Lizzie Jones' scooter quit on her again. Lizzie had called Jimmy John Jones, her grandfather, to pick her up. Lizzie had lived with her grandfather for 11 years after her parents moved to the Himalayas to start a school for Sherpas. Lizzie was studying to be a veterinarian. She only took courses when she had earned enough to pay for it. Jimmy John which is what granddad insisted she call him dropped me at the pier to meet my friend Caroline at the Lobster Pot. While we were eating, I ask Caroline what was wrong. I had known her since 3rd grade and could tell something was bothering her. Her husband, Brodie also known as Mr Jupiter, was divorcing her. She wanted Lizzie to stay with the dogs while she went ot LA to do some serious shopping. Brodie was leaving for Scotland to visit his parents. Lizzie ends up with much more than she bargained for while watching the dogs.
I love the Danger Cove books. The setting is fantastic and the town is really quaint with great people. Sally J Smith, Jean Steffens and Elizabeth Ashby have written an intriguing mystery. Every time I thought I had figured out who had done it the story twisted in another direction. I never saw the ending coming. Great book that was hard to put down!
I love the Danger Cove books. The setting is fantastic and the town is really quaint with great people. Sally J Smith, Jean Steffens and Elizabeth Ashby have written an intriguing mystery. Every time I thought I had figured out who had done it the story twisted in another direction. I never saw the ending coming. Great book that was hard to put down!
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