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Marcia Banks and Buddy Mysteries #3
The Call of the Woof
Army veteran Jake Black has a new lease on life, thanks to service dog Felix and his trainer, Marcia Banks. Despite a traumatic brain injury, Jake’s able to ride his beloved motorcycle again, with Felix in the sidecar. But his freedom to hit the open road is threatened once more when he and his wife are arrested for robbery.
Called in to dog-sit, Marcia can’t sit idly by. She and her mentor dog, Buddy, set out to clear the Blacks’ name, fighting misconceptions about bikers and the nature of TBI along the way. When murder is added to the mix, Marcia redoubles her efforts, despite anonymous threats and her sheriff boyfriend’s strenuous objections, both to her putting herself at risk... and to dragging him along on her wild ride.
Called in to dog-sit, Marcia can’t sit idly by. She and her mentor dog, Buddy, set out to clear the Blacks’ name, fighting misconceptions about bikers and the nature of TBI along the way. When murder is added to the mix, Marcia redoubles her efforts, despite anonymous threats and her sheriff boyfriend’s strenuous objections, both to her putting herself at risk... and to dragging him along on her wild ride.
- GenresCozy MysteryAnimals
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2017
129 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Kassandra Lamb
55 books233 followersPsychology and writing (or writing and psychology) have always vied for the number one spot on my list of greatest passions. I am now a retired psychotherapist and can afford to spend as much time as I want on my writing.
I am in Heaven! (Well, actually I live in Florida now.)
Some people have asked me if my protagonist, psychotherapist Kate Huntington, is me. I wish! She's much more consistently kind and compassionate than I am.
I was born and raised in Maryland and lived there most of my adult life. In addition to my psychotherapy practice, I also taught at Towson University for a decade. It was my favorite job of my entire lifetime, so I decided to base my first series, the Kate Huntington mysteries, in Towson, Maryland. My newer series, about a service dog trainer, is set in central Florida near where I live now, the Marcia Banks and Buddy cozy mysteries.
I blog about psychological topics, or anything else that strikes my fancy, about twice a month at www.misteriopress.com.
I am in Heaven! (Well, actually I live in Florida now.)
Some people have asked me if my protagonist, psychotherapist Kate Huntington, is me. I wish! She's much more consistently kind and compassionate than I am.
I was born and raised in Maryland and lived there most of my adult life. In addition to my psychotherapy practice, I also taught at Towson University for a decade. It was my favorite job of my entire lifetime, so I decided to base my first series, the Kate Huntington mysteries, in Towson, Maryland. My newer series, about a service dog trainer, is set in central Florida near where I live now, the Marcia Banks and Buddy cozy mysteries.
I blog about psychological topics, or anything else that strikes my fancy, about twice a month at www.misteriopress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 21, 2017
Do you know the difference between
motorcycle clubs and motorcycle gangs?
Come along with Marcia Banks, who trains
service dogs for veterans suffering from
Post Trauma Stress Syndrome, to find out.
The first dog, she trained Buddy is now
retired and used as her mentor dog.
Marcia gets a call from one of the veterans
Using one of the service dogs trained by
her. Felix, his dog has helped improve his
life patterns.
He and his wife have been arrested for
robbery. Felix was taken to a shelter. His
request is that Marcia go get Felix from the
shelter then welcomes her to stay at their
home. He feels they have been framed.
Marcia believes the couple innocent. She
decides to investigate.
As the suspects were seen riding motorcycles
away from the scene of the crimes, Marcia
needs to get to involved in the motorcycle
realm to solve this dilemma.
Robbery, murder, mystery, car ramming,
threatening phone calls, break ins, thrills
and chills make this a fast paced read.
Vivid description, captivating writing and
an engaging plot with colorful, well defined,
animated and quirky characters will keep
the reader involved.
Learning about the different types of
motorcycles and their history plus the
awareness of the Post Traumatic Stress
Syndrome in veterans round out the story.
I highly recommend this book.
motorcycle clubs and motorcycle gangs?
Come along with Marcia Banks, who trains
service dogs for veterans suffering from
Post Trauma Stress Syndrome, to find out.
The first dog, she trained Buddy is now
retired and used as her mentor dog.
Marcia gets a call from one of the veterans
Using one of the service dogs trained by
her. Felix, his dog has helped improve his
life patterns.
He and his wife have been arrested for
robbery. Felix was taken to a shelter. His
request is that Marcia go get Felix from the
shelter then welcomes her to stay at their
home. He feels they have been framed.
Marcia believes the couple innocent. She
decides to investigate.
As the suspects were seen riding motorcycles
away from the scene of the crimes, Marcia
needs to get to involved in the motorcycle
realm to solve this dilemma.
Robbery, murder, mystery, car ramming,
threatening phone calls, break ins, thrills
and chills make this a fast paced read.
Vivid description, captivating writing and
an engaging plot with colorful, well defined,
animated and quirky characters will keep
the reader involved.
Learning about the different types of
motorcycles and their history plus the
awareness of the Post Traumatic Stress
Syndrome in veterans round out the story.
I highly recommend this book.
August 11, 2017
How did she do it? I just can’t figure out how Kassandra Lamb managed to write a cozy mystery without one single appearance of cupcakes, knitting, or cats (barring frequent references to the short life-expectancy of curious felines).
At first her Marcia Banks and Buddy series seems to embody trope-perfect cozy mysteries, with adorable and hard working service dogs and crime-solving trainer Marcia—that’s “Mar-SEE-a” and never “Mar-sha”. As those who’ve been following this series already know, though, Marcia has issues that go beyond her lack of knitting, cats, and cupcakes. An outsider who has relocated to a tiny Florida town, Marcia is fleeing a bad marriage and her unhappy big-city life. Determined to reinvent herself, she starts a business training service dogs for emotionally and physically injured veterans. It’s usually her love for the dogs she’s trained that compels her to get involved when their new owners are caught up in danger and mysterious events.
As an amateur cozy mystery detective, Marcia needs two things: a sidekick, and a police contact. In her case, however, her sidekick has four paws and a tail, while her police contact is the local sheriff, Will, who is interested in maintaining very close contact. With the emotional trauma of her marriage and past blocking her, however, Marcia finds it’s easier to be physically intimate than to let Will into her emotions, heart, or soul. And she’s especially conflicted about the issue of children, which is something Will wants.
As always, Marcia is walking a thin line, balancing her growing feelings for Will against her need to remain independent. Money is always an issue, but in this latest book it’s become a crisis as her house needs structural repairs and her ownership of Buddy is in question. Unable to train new dogs while her house is being repaired, Marcia agrees to dogsit for her client Jake when he and his wife are jailed as suspects in a series of armed robberies.
But as Marcia tries to help with investigating, she finds herself first a witness and then a suspect in a horrific murder. Worried about the danger to her, Will demands that she back off the investigation. But when her dogs are threatened, nothing will stop Marcia from trying to help, not even her very real fear that she’ll drive Will away. Her investigations take her into the world of motorcycle clubs, which she soon discovers includes a spectrum of people from her new lawyer to recreational riders to criminals.
One of the things I enjoy about all of Kassandra Lamb’s books is that they are character driven. Although a series provides an ongoing and developing cast and setting, Kassandra Lamb’s characters continue to grow, change, and develop over time. In her previous series where the heroine was a psychotherapist like her author, Kassandra Lamb was able to use the training and insights of her profession to provide the clues and insights needed to solve the mysteries. But in Marcia and Buddy’s series, the process is more subtle. Marcia’s emotional damage is carefully exposed as she fights for each step of her emotional recovery. So too are the remaining physical and emotional traumas of her clients explored and factored into the dogs Marcia trains specifically for each.
I also enjoy that in terms of plot and pacing, the author plays fair with her readers. We get to know the clues, and often can put them together more quickly than the too-close-to-the-action Marcia. Unlike most cozy mysteries, some of the violence takes place onstage. There’s blood, and danger, and several genuinely terrifying scenes.
If I had any complaints, it would be with the very constraints of the cozy mystery genre. I don’t mind about the lack of explicit sex scenes. Poor Marcia and Will have a lot of trouble even arranging to have sex, and when they do it’s behind closed doors. But while the complete lack of swearing makes it a lot easier to read the bikers’ dialog, at the same time there’s a disconnect with the reality of how they might really speak that pulled me out of the action.
Overall though, if you like slightly-edgy cozy mysteries, if you enjoy learning about the service dogs and incredible ways they make it possible for their owners to lead fuller lives, and if you’re interested in complex flawed characters who work to heal, to find the courage to step beyond their fears, and to develop over time, then this would be a great series for you. Each book is a complete story arc and thus stands alone. But the complex relationships and side characters evolve with each new book, so I’d recommend you start from the beginning. After all…adorable dogs, murder, and fried gator bits—what’s not to love?
***I received this book from the publisher or author to facilitate an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
At first her Marcia Banks and Buddy series seems to embody trope-perfect cozy mysteries, with adorable and hard working service dogs and crime-solving trainer Marcia—that’s “Mar-SEE-a” and never “Mar-sha”. As those who’ve been following this series already know, though, Marcia has issues that go beyond her lack of knitting, cats, and cupcakes. An outsider who has relocated to a tiny Florida town, Marcia is fleeing a bad marriage and her unhappy big-city life. Determined to reinvent herself, she starts a business training service dogs for emotionally and physically injured veterans. It’s usually her love for the dogs she’s trained that compels her to get involved when their new owners are caught up in danger and mysterious events.
As an amateur cozy mystery detective, Marcia needs two things: a sidekick, and a police contact. In her case, however, her sidekick has four paws and a tail, while her police contact is the local sheriff, Will, who is interested in maintaining very close contact. With the emotional trauma of her marriage and past blocking her, however, Marcia finds it’s easier to be physically intimate than to let Will into her emotions, heart, or soul. And she’s especially conflicted about the issue of children, which is something Will wants.
As always, Marcia is walking a thin line, balancing her growing feelings for Will against her need to remain independent. Money is always an issue, but in this latest book it’s become a crisis as her house needs structural repairs and her ownership of Buddy is in question. Unable to train new dogs while her house is being repaired, Marcia agrees to dogsit for her client Jake when he and his wife are jailed as suspects in a series of armed robberies.
But as Marcia tries to help with investigating, she finds herself first a witness and then a suspect in a horrific murder. Worried about the danger to her, Will demands that she back off the investigation. But when her dogs are threatened, nothing will stop Marcia from trying to help, not even her very real fear that she’ll drive Will away. Her investigations take her into the world of motorcycle clubs, which she soon discovers includes a spectrum of people from her new lawyer to recreational riders to criminals.
One of the things I enjoy about all of Kassandra Lamb’s books is that they are character driven. Although a series provides an ongoing and developing cast and setting, Kassandra Lamb’s characters continue to grow, change, and develop over time. In her previous series where the heroine was a psychotherapist like her author, Kassandra Lamb was able to use the training and insights of her profession to provide the clues and insights needed to solve the mysteries. But in Marcia and Buddy’s series, the process is more subtle. Marcia’s emotional damage is carefully exposed as she fights for each step of her emotional recovery. So too are the remaining physical and emotional traumas of her clients explored and factored into the dogs Marcia trains specifically for each.
I also enjoy that in terms of plot and pacing, the author plays fair with her readers. We get to know the clues, and often can put them together more quickly than the too-close-to-the-action Marcia. Unlike most cozy mysteries, some of the violence takes place onstage. There’s blood, and danger, and several genuinely terrifying scenes.
If I had any complaints, it would be with the very constraints of the cozy mystery genre. I don’t mind about the lack of explicit sex scenes. Poor Marcia and Will have a lot of trouble even arranging to have sex, and when they do it’s behind closed doors. But while the complete lack of swearing makes it a lot easier to read the bikers’ dialog, at the same time there’s a disconnect with the reality of how they might really speak that pulled me out of the action.
Overall though, if you like slightly-edgy cozy mysteries, if you enjoy learning about the service dogs and incredible ways they make it possible for their owners to lead fuller lives, and if you’re interested in complex flawed characters who work to heal, to find the courage to step beyond their fears, and to develop over time, then this would be a great series for you. Each book is a complete story arc and thus stands alone. But the complex relationships and side characters evolve with each new book, so I’d recommend you start from the beginning. After all…adorable dogs, murder, and fried gator bits—what’s not to love?
***I received this book from the publisher or author to facilitate an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
July 23, 2017
[ I received this book from the author as a gift. I voluntarily chose to review it]
“Look,” I said, “it’s natural for people to assume others are law-abiding, until there is obvious evidence to the contrary.” Then the snarky part of me added, “Unless you’re law enforcement.”
Marcia Banks received a call from her friend Jake, asking her to take care of his service dog Felix because he and his wife Janet had been arrested on suspicions of robbery. Since Marcia had trained Felix and become friendly with the family, she and her mentor Dog Buddy moved into Jake’s guest house while her house was being fumigated and repaired. Made sense and saved money, something she had little of these days.
The cops wouldn’t let Janey and Jake out after a second robbery left an elderly woman dead. Marcia gets woven into this as her penchance for solving mysteries mixes her up with biker groups, people being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and a persistent attraction to her boyfriend, a sheriff from across the state, in spite of flirting with another local lawyer/biker guy.
Will Marcia figure out the mystery before everything falls apart...literally?
In this the third Marcia Banks and Buddy cosy mystery, the characters have established a good foundation that Kassandra Lamb can build upon while teaching us about the place of service animals in the role of PTSD recovery. The characters of Marcia and Will and their budding relationship are people I look forward to seeing again and again. Highly recommended. 5 stars
“Look,” I said, “it’s natural for people to assume others are law-abiding, until there is obvious evidence to the contrary.” Then the snarky part of me added, “Unless you’re law enforcement.”
Marcia Banks received a call from her friend Jake, asking her to take care of his service dog Felix because he and his wife Janet had been arrested on suspicions of robbery. Since Marcia had trained Felix and become friendly with the family, she and her mentor Dog Buddy moved into Jake’s guest house while her house was being fumigated and repaired. Made sense and saved money, something she had little of these days.
The cops wouldn’t let Janey and Jake out after a second robbery left an elderly woman dead. Marcia gets woven into this as her penchance for solving mysteries mixes her up with biker groups, people being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and a persistent attraction to her boyfriend, a sheriff from across the state, in spite of flirting with another local lawyer/biker guy.
Will Marcia figure out the mystery before everything falls apart...literally?
In this the third Marcia Banks and Buddy cosy mystery, the characters have established a good foundation that Kassandra Lamb can build upon while teaching us about the place of service animals in the role of PTSD recovery. The characters of Marcia and Will and their budding relationship are people I look forward to seeing again and again. Highly recommended. 5 stars
December 14, 2019
This was my 1st Marcia Banks and Buddy mystery books, but it certainly won't be my last! I chose it because my late husband was a VIet Nam Vet and he suffered from physical disabilities as well as severe PTSD. I didn't quite understand about PTSD while we were friends, then dating and also after we were married, until I was a victim of violence . I received a TBI while riding my horse . I was shot in the back of my head. I now also have severe PTSD along with many of the same disabilities that "Jake" had, balance problems being the worse. I wish that I could get a Service Dog, or have 1 of my dogs trained. Kassandras knowledge about her characters and their medical issues are fascinating and living with a VET plus having PTSD myself , I get totally into her books. Thank you Kassandra for all the research that you do for your books and bringing attention of these disabilities to the public. No one realises how traumatic PTSD is.
May 21, 2024
I’m tempted to give this story only 3 stars for the sheer stupidity of her insisting on moving around & climbing out of the car after being rammed off the road! At first her description led me to believe the car was rolled over, too. Then she experiences sharp pain but keeps moving anyway! And won’t go to the hospital! What does she not understand about SPINAL INJURY?! It can cause permanent paralysis & even death if the injury is high enough! I heard of a case where a cop let someone get out of the car & walk around after an accident, while they waited for the tow truck; they were walking when someone behind them called to them, & when they turned to respond, they dropped dead because they’d had a C1 or 2 fracture that severed the spinal cord when they turned their head.
The rest of the story was pretty good, but that scene drove me really crazy. Also, she never told anyone about the gold jewelry she found.
The rest of the story was pretty good, but that scene drove me really crazy. Also, she never told anyone about the gold jewelry she found.
June 3, 2020
Another great addition to the Marcia Banks and Buddy series. As always, I enjoy the dog training tips, and learning more about various injuries of service members for which service dogs are an asset.
The relationship between Marcia and her boyfriend moves along in this book too.
And, of course, there’s a murder, and people accused, and Marcia gets involved. AND lots of information about motorcycle gangs.
So this time, this book is educational on several topics, and entertaining too.
Not much time spent on dog training, however, there is sufficient character and series story line development that it made for a good addition to the series.
The relationship between Marcia and her boyfriend moves along in this book too.
And, of course, there’s a murder, and people accused, and Marcia gets involved. AND lots of information about motorcycle gangs.
So this time, this book is educational on several topics, and entertaining too.
Not much time spent on dog training, however, there is sufficient character and series story line development that it made for a good addition to the series.
July 19, 2017
Another well written cozy mystery with Marcia Banks and her mentor dog Buddy. A veteran and his wife are accused of robbing a local pawn shop. Marcia is asked to take care of their service dog and gets embroiled in the mystery. Marcia's house is having the roof repaired, so its the perfect opportunity for her to dog sit. A murder occurs. Is the veteran or is he being framed? An enjoyable cozy mystery that gives some insight to veterans and their problems when the return stateside. Well worth reading. Look forward to the next one.
July 19, 2017
The perfect book for hiding in the air-conditioning when the outside temperature is in the mid90s (but would probably be as wonderful any time of year). Suspenseful, but not to the point of making one lose sleep, which is good because it is a little long to read without a break. If you order it now you'll have it for the Labor Day weekend (if you can resist it that long).
I received an ARC and the view expressed is all my own.
I received an ARC and the view expressed is all my own.
January 15, 2020
this is the series of the lady that teaches service dogs. her boyfriend is a sheriff in a neighboring town.
she helps out her friends who were wrongly arrested by trying to figure out who the guilty person was. there were bikers involved and a lawyer who ended up being the one who did all the crimes.
her boyfriend bought the house next door until shes ready to get married. he became a detective so he could live there.
she helps out her friends who were wrongly arrested by trying to figure out who the guilty person was. there were bikers involved and a lawyer who ended up being the one who did all the crimes.
her boyfriend bought the house next door until shes ready to get married. he became a detective so he could live there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2017
I received this ARC from the author. This review is strictly voluntary and opinions are my own.
Well-written story by a fabulously talented author! Kassandra Lamb nailed it again with this one!
Marcia and Buddy are back in action in this cozy, and very informative mystery. Plenty of twists and turns from the great Kassandra Lamb gives the reader a terrific read!
Well-written story by a fabulously talented author! Kassandra Lamb nailed it again with this one!
Marcia and Buddy are back in action in this cozy, and very informative mystery. Plenty of twists and turns from the great Kassandra Lamb gives the reader a terrific read!
August 7, 2017
Another wonderful Marcia/Buddy story. I love the books by Kassandra Lamb. This one, as usual, caught me from the very first sentence and had me reading as fast as I could until the very end. And now ... I'm waiting for the next book. Ms. Lamb cannot write them fast enough for this reader. I voluntarily read and reviewed the ARC of this book.
August 25, 2017
Jake, a veteran with a service dog trained by Marcia, is arrested for robbery along with his wife. His one call is to Marcia to ask if she can rescue Felix from the animal shelter and take care of him until his release. While staying at Jake's home, Marcia can't help but try to prove her friends innocence. This is a fun mystery with a little bit of romance thrown in.
May 16, 2020
A Delightful Read! I usually prefer darker mysteries, but there was enough dark suspense in here to keep this reader turning pages. Another strong point: lots of great humor! I can highly recommend this book to all cozy fans, lovers of animals, and anyone who enjoys a well written mystery-suspense novel.
July 18, 2017
I always enjoy a suspenseful story that ends up as a "feel good" one. Toss in a murder and a few dogs to help out and you've got a great story. I can't wait for the next one. I received ARC of this book. The review is done voluntarily and of my own opinion.
March 17, 2018
Marcia does it again!
Each book in this series is wonderful!!! Absolutely love the service dogs and how they are trained specifically for the owners. The mystery is always multifaceted so your curiosity is always at extreme alert!!! Truly fabulous read!!!
Each book in this series is wonderful!!! Absolutely love the service dogs and how they are trained specifically for the owners. The mystery is always multifaceted so your curiosity is always at extreme alert!!! Truly fabulous read!!!
December 21, 2019
The Call of the Woof (The Marcia Banks and Buddy Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by Kassandra Lamb is a fun book to read. I gave it four stars.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073VC1Z5T
I received a complimentary copy from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073VC1Z5T
July 19, 2020
Nice little series with interesting developments that occur over time. Marcia trains service dogs and each of her clients gets into hot water that requires her coming in to take care of the dog and becoming involved in solving the problem so the dog can be with it's master. On to the next.
August 3, 2021
Marcia Banks is at it again solving crimes with the help of her boyfriend and dog Buddy. This is the third in the series and I hope it continues for a long while. I look forward to more books in this series.
August 29, 2025
This third volume in the series is unfortunately even weaker than the second, partly because the (very lovely) dog has no real part to play, and partly because the villain is pretty obvious quite early on. Still a fun read with some good characters, so I'll let it stand at 3 stars.
February 23, 2019
Fun and very well-written.
July 21, 2017
Marcia Banks and her mentor dog Buddy don't slow down at all during this mystery about robbery and murder. One of Marcia's clients is arrested and for his one call he calls Marcia and asks her to rescue his service dog, Felix, from the Animal Shelter and take care of him until his release. Marcia is sure that her client Jake and his wife are not criminals and are innocent. Marcia and Buddy start doing a little investigating of their own. Will, Marcia's friend/boyfriend/lover , a local deputy sheriff and an unidentified source try to warn her she is putting herself in jeopardy by looking into matters that don't concern her. But Marcia is stubborn and does not heed the warnings. This is a non-stop story full of action, suspects and a little romance on the side.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews