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Pawsitively Organic Mystery #7
Murder, She Meowed
Kristan "Stan" Connor loves concocting tasty organic treats for dogs and cats--and she also loves her fiancé, pub owner Jake McGee. But she's not so enthusiastic about finding a dead body at her own bachelorette party . . .
Stan and Jake's wedding will soon take place on the town green in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, followed by a reception at their beloved Irish pub filled with friends, family, and their four favorite canine companions. Stan just has to endure the traditional girls' night out first. Male strippers jumping out of gigantic cakes aren't her preferred entertainment. But the hired hottie never gets around to taking it all off . . . because someone takes him out first with one of Stan's kitchen knives. A heartbroken Stan recognizes the victim as one of the delivery men from the local farm--who must have been moonlighting for some extra cash. Now the guest list has turned into a suspect list--and Stan's making a vow to find the killer . . . Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes! Praise for Purring Around the Christmas Tree
"For fans of pet-themed mysteries, Mugavero pens a purrfect New England Christmas cozy, which also includes gourmet pet treat recipes."
-- Library Journal
Stan and Jake's wedding will soon take place on the town green in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, followed by a reception at their beloved Irish pub filled with friends, family, and their four favorite canine companions. Stan just has to endure the traditional girls' night out first. Male strippers jumping out of gigantic cakes aren't her preferred entertainment. But the hired hottie never gets around to taking it all off . . . because someone takes him out first with one of Stan's kitchen knives. A heartbroken Stan recognizes the victim as one of the delivery men from the local farm--who must have been moonlighting for some extra cash. Now the guest list has turned into a suspect list--and Stan's making a vow to find the killer . . . Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes! Praise for Purring Around the Christmas Tree
"For fans of pet-themed mysteries, Mugavero pens a purrfect New England Christmas cozy, which also includes gourmet pet treat recipes."
-- Library Journal
430 pages, Library Binding
First published January 29, 2019
About the author
Liz Mugavero
11 books478 followersLiz Mugavero has been writing stories since she could hold a pen. Before that, she would tell them to anyone who would listen (not many at the time). After deciding early on she would write books for a living, she practiced by writing bad, angst-filled poems, short stories and even a storyline for a soap opera--all by age 15. She never wavered from her goals despite all the usual questions including, “So are you going to be an English teacher with that degree in English?” or, “That writing thing sounds nice, but how are you REALLY going to make a living?”
She went on to get a master’s in writing and publishing and spent time in journalism, PR, and presently, corporate marketing and communications. And she’s confident this writing thing IS the way to make a living.
Aside from writing, she loves animals (has a houseful), the beach, reading other writers’ masterpieces and Starbucks coffee.
Originally from Massachusetts, she lives in Connecticut with her family, but has every intention of getting back to the Bay State sooner rather than later.
The Gourmet Pet Food Mysteries is her first series.
(From her website, www.lizmugavero.com)
She went on to get a master’s in writing and publishing and spent time in journalism, PR, and presently, corporate marketing and communications. And she’s confident this writing thing IS the way to make a living.
Aside from writing, she loves animals (has a houseful), the beach, reading other writers’ masterpieces and Starbucks coffee.
Originally from Massachusetts, she lives in Connecticut with her family, but has every intention of getting back to the Bay State sooner rather than later.
The Gourmet Pet Food Mysteries is her first series.
(From her website, www.lizmugavero.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 30, 2018
There never seems to be a dull moment in Frog Ledge, CT for Stan Connor, owner of Pawsitively Organic Pet Patisserie. Stan is attempting to plan her wedding to Jake, who owns and runs McSwigg’s Irish Pub. However, she and her mother, Patricia, are at odds as the older woman wants to do the planning *her* way. As this delightful cozy mystery begins to unfold, I wondered what on earth could Organic farming and a bachelorette party have in common? One thing’s for sure—I was surprised by this plot twist!
Police Sargeant, Jessie Pasquale, Stan’s sister-in-law to be, needs Stan’s help to solve a curious murder involving a crazed stalker! Whether you’re a new reader to this fantastic series or have read the six previous stories like me; you’ll be riveted by the events in this well executed mystery plot. Plenty of chuckles, precious pets, and a happily ever after ending make this one of my favorite stories in the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries. The author shares several gourmet pet food recipes you can make for your furry friends. 😊
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
Police Sargeant, Jessie Pasquale, Stan’s sister-in-law to be, needs Stan’s help to solve a curious murder involving a crazed stalker! Whether you’re a new reader to this fantastic series or have read the six previous stories like me; you’ll be riveted by the events in this well executed mystery plot. Plenty of chuckles, precious pets, and a happily ever after ending make this one of my favorite stories in the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries. The author shares several gourmet pet food recipes you can make for your furry friends. 😊
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
January 30, 2019
With three weeks before her wedding, Stan Connor is finding it hard to keep her mother and sister from taking over and planning things their way. She does finally give in to her sister’s desire to throw her a traditional bachelorette party, but things end on a somber note when the stripper is found dead in the cake he was supposed to jump out of. Worse yet, Stan knew the young man. Feeling the need to investigate, Stan tries to figure out who would have wanted to kill him. Can she do it?
I did feel this book got sidetracked at times by the wedding planning sub-plot, but that might be because I’m a guy. There is definitely a strong mystery here with several viable suspects and a great climax. Along the way, we get plenty of twists and turns. While Stan’s relationship with her family has grown some, the wedding planning brings out some of their old relationships, and it was interesting to see this side of the characters again. Some of the regulars play smaller parts here, but it is great to see the regulars no matter how much page time they got. Those who have pets will be interested in the two new recipes for organic treats at the end of the book.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I did feel this book got sidetracked at times by the wedding planning sub-plot, but that might be because I’m a guy. There is definitely a strong mystery here with several viable suspects and a great climax. Along the way, we get plenty of twists and turns. While Stan’s relationship with her family has grown some, the wedding planning brings out some of their old relationships, and it was interesting to see this side of the characters again. Some of the regulars play smaller parts here, but it is great to see the regulars no matter how much page time they got. Those who have pets will be interested in the two new recipes for organic treats at the end of the book.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 11, 2019
Murder She Meowed
Pawsitively Organic Mysteries, Book #7
Liz Mugavero
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
Kristan "Stan" Connor loves concocting tasty organic treats for dogs and cats--and she also loves her fiance, pub owner Jake McGee. But she's not so enthusiastic about finding a dead body at her own bachelorette party . . .
Stan and Jake's wedding will soon take place on the town green in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, followed by a reception at their beloved Irish pub filled with friends, family, and their four favorite canine companions. Stan just has to endure the traditional girls' night out first. Male strippers jumping out of gigantic cakes aren't her preferred entertainment. But the hired hottie never gets around to taking it all off . . . because someone takes him out first with one of Stan's kitchen knives. A heartbroken Stan recognizes the victim as one of the delivery men from the local farm--who must have been moonlighting for some extra cash. Now the guest list has turned into a suspect list--and Stan's making a vow to find the killer . . .
Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes!
Praise for Purring Around the Christmas Tree
"For fans of pet-themed mysteries, Mugavero pens a purrfect New England Christmas cozy, which also includes gourmet pet treat recipes." (Goodreads)
Reviews:
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I enjoy any time that I get to spend with Stan and her family and friends. You never know what Stan and her cohorts are going to do, it is always an adventure. Stan is still having trouble with her mother. Now she is trying to take over her wedding, changing all the plans that Stan and Jake have made. Will they come to an agreement or will the happy couple elope?
The writing style flows smoothly and it defined the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, visiting Frog Ledge, Connecticut, and enjoying my visit. I felt like I was visiting Pawsitively Organic Pet Patisserie, seeing all the pet treats and food that she makes.
The mystery was well plotted and fast paced and it was not easily solved. The suspense and tension kept growing as I swiped the pages, and although I wanted to see what would happen next, I was afraid to find out.
I would recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Sometimes a book just clicks with the reader, and that is what happened to me. I have read the whole series and they just keep getting better.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Pawsitively Organic Mysteries, Book #7
Liz Mugavero
5+ Stars
Synopsis:
Kristan "Stan" Connor loves concocting tasty organic treats for dogs and cats--and she also loves her fiance, pub owner Jake McGee. But she's not so enthusiastic about finding a dead body at her own bachelorette party . . .
Stan and Jake's wedding will soon take place on the town green in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, followed by a reception at their beloved Irish pub filled with friends, family, and their four favorite canine companions. Stan just has to endure the traditional girls' night out first. Male strippers jumping out of gigantic cakes aren't her preferred entertainment. But the hired hottie never gets around to taking it all off . . . because someone takes him out first with one of Stan's kitchen knives. A heartbroken Stan recognizes the victim as one of the delivery men from the local farm--who must have been moonlighting for some extra cash. Now the guest list has turned into a suspect list--and Stan's making a vow to find the killer . . .
Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes!
Praise for Purring Around the Christmas Tree
"For fans of pet-themed mysteries, Mugavero pens a purrfect New England Christmas cozy, which also includes gourmet pet treat recipes." (Goodreads)
Reviews:
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I enjoy any time that I get to spend with Stan and her family and friends. You never know what Stan and her cohorts are going to do, it is always an adventure. Stan is still having trouble with her mother. Now she is trying to take over her wedding, changing all the plans that Stan and Jake have made. Will they come to an agreement or will the happy couple elope?
The writing style flows smoothly and it defined the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, visiting Frog Ledge, Connecticut, and enjoying my visit. I felt like I was visiting Pawsitively Organic Pet Patisserie, seeing all the pet treats and food that she makes.
The mystery was well plotted and fast paced and it was not easily solved. The suspense and tension kept growing as I swiped the pages, and although I wanted to see what would happen next, I was afraid to find out.
I would recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Sometimes a book just clicks with the reader, and that is what happened to me. I have read the whole series and they just keep getting better.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
January 16, 2019
Stan and her future husband Jake are three weeks away from their wedding. With so much to do, including running her organic pet treats bakery, she doesn't even have a dress and is fighting against having a formal church wedding. Then her sister insists on throwing her a bachelorette party-which she finally just agrees to--but it takes places in her shop. Local farm deliveryman Perry Puck is hired to be the "male entertainment" for the evening but the party takes a grotesque and deadly turn when he is found murdered in the cake. Once again, Stan finds herself entwined in another mystery as it involves both her business and the some of the suspects include those closest to her.
Although this is my first time reading this series, I felt like I fit right into those close-knit circle of Stan's friends and the quaint town of Frog Ledge, Connecticut. The characters and the shops each have the own special vibe and uniqueness, which adds to the flow of the story. I enjoyed the special role of the named animal characters. Overall, a pleasant cozy read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
Although this is my first time reading this series, I felt like I fit right into those close-knit circle of Stan's friends and the quaint town of Frog Ledge, Connecticut. The characters and the shops each have the own special vibe and uniqueness, which adds to the flow of the story. I enjoyed the special role of the named animal characters. Overall, a pleasant cozy read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
December 17, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
I always enjoy this seres, and this book was no exception. I did feel at times that the mystery took a backseat to the other story, that of the preparation for Stan and Jake's wedding, and that maybe they weren't AS invested in finding this murderer as Perry wasn't really connected to them. However it still had all the fun of previous books with baking and pet antics, and Stan is still a great character. I wonder how many more murders Frog Ledge can take though, after she returns from her honeymoon!
A fun series, a must read for cozy fans. Five stars.
I always enjoy this seres, and this book was no exception. I did feel at times that the mystery took a backseat to the other story, that of the preparation for Stan and Jake's wedding, and that maybe they weren't AS invested in finding this murderer as Perry wasn't really connected to them. However it still had all the fun of previous books with baking and pet antics, and Stan is still a great character. I wonder how many more murders Frog Ledge can take though, after she returns from her honeymoon!
A fun series, a must read for cozy fans. Five stars.
March 17, 2019
This is the first book I've read in this series and I enjoyed it. It had cats, dogs, a business that sold homemade pet treats. Stan (Kristan) is getting married and her sister insists on throwing her an engagement party even though Stan doesn't want one. Her sister surprises her one night at her business with her friends and food and a bar setup and Stan thinks well thinks is cool until the huge cake is pulled out of the back room.
I enjoyed the mysteries and the interactions with Jessie the State Police officer who is also going to be her sister in law. Stan is always calling her with tips on conversations she overheard or on her own sleuthing which she keeps promising everyone she won't do but she just can't help herself.
I need to start this series from the beginning.
I enjoyed the mysteries and the interactions with Jessie the State Police officer who is also going to be her sister in law. Stan is always calling her with tips on conversations she overheard or on her own sleuthing which she keeps promising everyone she won't do but she just can't help herself.
I need to start this series from the beginning.
December 6, 2018
In the seventh book of this Pawsitively Organic series, Stan is planning her wedding to Jake. Her sister insists that she has a bachelorette party and hires a stripper to jump out a cake. The party is set in Stan's new pet shop. When the cake is open the striker is found with a knife in his back. The shop becomes a crime scene and the Opening Festivities are delayed. Stan and Make want a small wedding in his Pub while their Mothers wanted to plan a church wedding. The book takes many turns before the wedding. Which wedding prevailed? Stan was vs answers who MURDER the strip
We before there more deaths. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES
Recipes for tasty treats for furbabies recipes are included.
Disclosure: Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own
We before there more deaths. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES
Recipes for tasty treats for furbabies recipes are included.
Disclosure: Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own
December 23, 2018
Murder, She Meowed by Liz Mugavero is the seventh book in her Pawsitively Organic series and was totally engaging from the first page to the last.
Kristan "Stan" Connor and Jake McGee are finally getting married. Although Stan's mother is driving her crazy trying to change her wedding plans, Stan is desperately trying to keep her cool and gives in to her sister's demand for a bachelorette party. Unfortunately, the party, set in Stan's shop, turns into a murder scene and Stan reluctantly begins to snoop. The characters are well developed now and I enjoyed spending time with Stan, Jake, Nikki and Caitlyn. The well crafted plot moved swiftly with enough twists to keep me guessing until the reveal.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Kristan "Stan" Connor and Jake McGee are finally getting married. Although Stan's mother is driving her crazy trying to change her wedding plans, Stan is desperately trying to keep her cool and gives in to her sister's demand for a bachelorette party. Unfortunately, the party, set in Stan's shop, turns into a murder scene and Stan reluctantly begins to snoop. The characters are well developed now and I enjoyed spending time with Stan, Jake, Nikki and Caitlyn. The well crafted plot moved swiftly with enough twists to keep me guessing until the reveal.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
January 29, 2019
Murder, She Meowed by Liz Mugavero has readers journeying to Frog Ledge, Connecticut. Kristina “Stan” Connor is getting married to pub owner, Jake McGee in three weeks. The couple have spent the winter planning their wedding which will be at McSwigg’s (Jake’s pub) followed by a reception. The pub holds a special place in their hearts, and they want to celebrate the day with their close family, friends and pets. Unfortunately, Patricia, Stan’s mother, has her own ideas for the wedding and makes plans without consulting Stan. Stan’s sister, Caitlyn is insisting on giving her a bachelorette party and a reluctant Stan attends. At the bachelorette party the excitement ramps up when a giant cake is wheeled in and, instead of a half-naked man jumping out of the cake, they see blood seeping from the bottom of the cake. Inside they find Perry Puck dead from a knife wound with one of Stan’s kitchen knives inside with him. Perry is one of the farmhands at Spring Hill Farm and has been moonlighting as a stripper. Sgt. Jessie Pasquale, Stan’s soon to be sister-in-law and an unenthusiastic guest at the party, quickly takes charge of the crime scene. Stan would like the murder solved before her wedding day and begins asking questions around town. Stan soon finds a threatening note on her car and then the individual gets into Pawsitively Organic, Stan’s pet patisserie, to leave another one. As if Stan does not have enough on her plate, her mother has hired a wedding planner to “reshape” her wedding. She needs to stand up to her mother or the town will soon have another murder on its hands with Stan taking her marriage vows in an orange jumpsuit. Can Stan pinpoint Perry’s killer before her big day? Will Stan and Jake get the wedding they planned, or will Patricia get her way?
Murder, She Meowed is seventh book in A Pawsitively Organic Mystery series. If you have not read any of the previous books in the series, you will not be lost. The author provides the necessary background information for new readers. I like the town of Frog Ledge, Connecticut with its quirky residents and unique shops. Stan has cultivated a wonderful group of friends who have become family to her, and she wants to celebrate her special day with them. Stan is a woman of simple tastes and she does not want an extravagant wedding. Unfortunately, Stan’s mother, Patricia refuses to listen and steamrolls right over Stan’s objections. I did not understand why Jake was not more supportive of Stan. When the wedding planner shows up, Jake ducks out (the chicken). Stan is lucky to have her good friend, Nikki Manning in town. I found Murder, She Meowed to be entertaining and easy to read. I love the adorable cats and dogs featured in the story. Nutty, the Maine Coon cat, is my favorite. I did not like Patricia and Caitlyn ignoring Stan’s wishes. I found it frustrating, aggravating, annoying and many other words ending in “ing”. It is supposed to be humorous, but, as you can tell, I was not laughing. The mystery had several suspects and misdirection to distract readers from the real culprit. The author upped her game with this whodunit (thank you). The ending of Murder, She Meowed is extremely satisfying. I enjoyed my latest visit to Frog Ledge, and I was smiling when I finished this engaging tale. I am giving Murder, She Meowed 4 out of 5 stars. There are pet food recipes at the end. Murder, She Meowed is a delightful cozy mystery with its friendly residents, delectable delights at Izzy’s, adorable fur babies, a wedding and a dead man in red satin undies.
Murder, She Meowed is seventh book in A Pawsitively Organic Mystery series. If you have not read any of the previous books in the series, you will not be lost. The author provides the necessary background information for new readers. I like the town of Frog Ledge, Connecticut with its quirky residents and unique shops. Stan has cultivated a wonderful group of friends who have become family to her, and she wants to celebrate her special day with them. Stan is a woman of simple tastes and she does not want an extravagant wedding. Unfortunately, Stan’s mother, Patricia refuses to listen and steamrolls right over Stan’s objections. I did not understand why Jake was not more supportive of Stan. When the wedding planner shows up, Jake ducks out (the chicken). Stan is lucky to have her good friend, Nikki Manning in town. I found Murder, She Meowed to be entertaining and easy to read. I love the adorable cats and dogs featured in the story. Nutty, the Maine Coon cat, is my favorite. I did not like Patricia and Caitlyn ignoring Stan’s wishes. I found it frustrating, aggravating, annoying and many other words ending in “ing”. It is supposed to be humorous, but, as you can tell, I was not laughing. The mystery had several suspects and misdirection to distract readers from the real culprit. The author upped her game with this whodunit (thank you). The ending of Murder, She Meowed is extremely satisfying. I enjoyed my latest visit to Frog Ledge, and I was smiling when I finished this engaging tale. I am giving Murder, She Meowed 4 out of 5 stars. There are pet food recipes at the end. Murder, She Meowed is a delightful cozy mystery with its friendly residents, delectable delights at Izzy’s, adorable fur babies, a wedding and a dead man in red satin undies.
January 8, 2019
Murder, She Meowed by Liz Mugavero is the 7th book in the Pawsitively Organic Mystery series, and another great addition. I loved this book/series, it is always a fun read. Kristan "Stan" Connor and her fiance Jake are busy planning their wedding, but Stan's mother wants to change everything. At her bachelorette party, in her store, the male stripper, waiting in the cake is murdered. Stan knows the young man because he delivers her organic produce, and she is determined to find the truth. This book was not only fun, it kept me reading page after page. I love all the unique and bizarre characters, that kept me guessing. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries with animals, you will enjoy this book/series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 13, 2019
I love this series that takes place in a little town called Frog's Ledge. In this one, Stan and her pets and Jake and his pets are finally getting married, but a man is murdered at Stan's bachlorette party leading to some complications, thrills and chills. This is one of my favorite cozy series even though the animals do not help solve crimes. It feels like I have sat down to relax with my favorite junk food to take a visit with friends. If Liz Mugavero keeps writing them, I will keep reading them!!!!
April 17, 2019
Stan Connor is busier than ever with her pet patisserie doing brisk business and planning her wedding to Jake. Stan is eager to marry Jake in their beloved pub surrounded by their friends from the village. Unfortunately her mother and sister have other ideas. While Patricia moves mountains to obtain a church on the village green, Caitlyn plans an elaborate bachelorette party of the type Stan does NOT want. At first the party is fun, with good friends and good food but Caitlyn's idea of fun includes a stripper jumping out of a fake cake. (cue Stan cringing) When the stripper fails to jump out at the appointed time, Stan has a bad feeling. Her bad feeling becomes a reality when the young man is discovered stabbed to death with one of Stan's kitchen knives. Stan feels violated and is determined to help Jessie find the killer. It gives her a good excuse for dodging her mother, until she needs her mother's help, which of course comes with strings attached. Will she ever get a happy wedding?
This is the very best of the mysteries. It has a tight mystery filled with red herrings I never suspected. I stayed up very late reading until the end and was shocked to discover who did it. I should have guessed but it seemed impossible. There's also the wedding drama that takes up nearly as much time as the mystery. Stan's mother's plans would drive me insane too! I feel like Jake should have acted as mediator and explained patiently to Patricia what they wanted and why and how Patricia could be included. If Jake couldn't do it than Nikki should have, as a more neutral party.
I can relate a lot to Stan in this book. Her mother causes her to act like a 16-year-old, something I know all too well. There's no way I could ever get married because my style is more like Stan's and not at all like Patricia's, yet I know my family would want the big shindig like Patricia. I know Patricia wants to be included in her daughter's life but she doesn't listen or behave respectfully towards her adult daughter. If Stan acts 16, then it's because her mother treats her like she's 16. I also like the way Stan investigates. Now she's almost Jessie's sister, she is mostly careful not to get in the way of Jessie's investigation and let Jessie know what she's learned.
The murder victim, Perry, was a young man in the prime of his life. He was good looking and he knew it so he was a bit arrogant. Perry liked to flirt and have a good time as most young men in their 20s do. His death is a real tragedy. I don't blame him for not wanting the path his family has laid out for him. He should be free to pursue his passions.
Jake is still swoony but I dislike how he keeps disappearing whenever Stan's mother shows up to talk her version of wedding plans. He should be there too with Stan. It's his wedding and his pub. It's nice to see Nikki and Stan interact again. Mostly they just talk on the phone and Nikki is doing her pet rescue thing. Nikki is fun and a good friend but like Jake, she won't stand up to Stan's mother. Brenna is her usual, energetic, bubbly self for the most part. She shows some cracks under the strain of the murder investigation. Caitlyn annoys me very much. She's trying to be a good sister but doesn't really understand Stan. I think she's jealous of Stan's awesome life and wants to play sleuth while Stan is a (amateur) sleuth. Caitlyn comes across as very naive and a bit crazy. Cyril growing on me. While I find his tenacity a bit annoying, especially when he badgers Stan, he's socially awkward and doesn't have a personal life. I feel sorry for him and like how Stan's feelings about Cyril have changed a bit. Izzy gets a minor role in this story in a positive way. She's the one friend who stands by Stan and will go the extra mile to help Stan.
The pets are adorable as always, especially Scruffy. The cats play a much larger role in this story than any of the others but the dogs are relegated to the background. Take a look at the cover image-that scene is not exactly in the book but I would go BALLISTIC if I saw that chocolate! As much as I love chocolate, I know it's not good for furbabies and I would turn into a murderer if someone killed my furbabies with chocolate. Thank goodness the cover image is an artist's rendering to go with the cutesy title.
There are many people in Frog Ledge who have a one way ticket to crazy town! The victim's girlfriend, Andrea, is understandably upset about his death but the more information revealed about her, the less I like her or feel sorry for her. There's another character who needs serious psychiatric help. Wallace, a farm worker, comes off as a bit of a creepy stalker. He does not have anything nice to say about the victim who really didn't deserve his fate. The farmer, Roger, sings a different tune but is he lying to protect himself? The victim's family cares more about their public image than their son. His sister, Sydney, seems distraught over his death but is there a silver lining for her in this cloud that may have caused her to kill her brother? Even so, Sydney and her husband seem nicer than her parents.
I do have a few questions and comments I can't write without spoiling the plot. I'm impatiently waiting for a real life friend to read it so we can get together and talk about it.
I would not recommend reading this book without having read at least some of the previous books in the series. Fans of the series will be delighted with this newest entry. I hope Stan continues to have adventures despite her feeling that Frog Ledge will start to quiet down. The author has two new pups who deserve their chance in the spotlight!
This is the very best of the mysteries. It has a tight mystery filled with red herrings I never suspected. I stayed up very late reading until the end and was shocked to discover who did it. I should have guessed but it seemed impossible. There's also the wedding drama that takes up nearly as much time as the mystery. Stan's mother's plans would drive me insane too! I feel like Jake should have acted as mediator and explained patiently to Patricia what they wanted and why and how Patricia could be included. If Jake couldn't do it than Nikki should have, as a more neutral party.
I can relate a lot to Stan in this book. Her mother causes her to act like a 16-year-old, something I know all too well. There's no way I could ever get married because my style is more like Stan's and not at all like Patricia's, yet I know my family would want the big shindig like Patricia. I know Patricia wants to be included in her daughter's life but she doesn't listen or behave respectfully towards her adult daughter. If Stan acts 16, then it's because her mother treats her like she's 16. I also like the way Stan investigates. Now she's almost Jessie's sister, she is mostly careful not to get in the way of Jessie's investigation and let Jessie know what she's learned.
The murder victim, Perry, was a young man in the prime of his life. He was good looking and he knew it so he was a bit arrogant. Perry liked to flirt and have a good time as most young men in their 20s do. His death is a real tragedy. I don't blame him for not wanting the path his family has laid out for him. He should be free to pursue his passions.
Jake is still swoony but I dislike how he keeps disappearing whenever Stan's mother shows up to talk her version of wedding plans. He should be there too with Stan. It's his wedding and his pub. It's nice to see Nikki and Stan interact again. Mostly they just talk on the phone and Nikki is doing her pet rescue thing. Nikki is fun and a good friend but like Jake, she won't stand up to Stan's mother. Brenna is her usual, energetic, bubbly self for the most part. She shows some cracks under the strain of the murder investigation. Caitlyn annoys me very much. She's trying to be a good sister but doesn't really understand Stan. I think she's jealous of Stan's awesome life and wants to play sleuth while Stan is a (amateur) sleuth. Caitlyn comes across as very naive and a bit crazy. Cyril growing on me. While I find his tenacity a bit annoying, especially when he badgers Stan, he's socially awkward and doesn't have a personal life. I feel sorry for him and like how Stan's feelings about Cyril have changed a bit. Izzy gets a minor role in this story in a positive way. She's the one friend who stands by Stan and will go the extra mile to help Stan.
The pets are adorable as always, especially Scruffy. The cats play a much larger role in this story than any of the others but the dogs are relegated to the background. Take a look at the cover image-that scene is not exactly in the book but I would go BALLISTIC if I saw that chocolate! As much as I love chocolate, I know it's not good for furbabies and I would turn into a murderer if someone killed my furbabies with chocolate. Thank goodness the cover image is an artist's rendering to go with the cutesy title.
There are many people in Frog Ledge who have a one way ticket to crazy town! The victim's girlfriend, Andrea, is understandably upset about his death but the more information revealed about her, the less I like her or feel sorry for her. There's another character who needs serious psychiatric help. Wallace, a farm worker, comes off as a bit of a creepy stalker. He does not have anything nice to say about the victim who really didn't deserve his fate. The farmer, Roger, sings a different tune but is he lying to protect himself? The victim's family cares more about their public image than their son. His sister, Sydney, seems distraught over his death but is there a silver lining for her in this cloud that may have caused her to kill her brother? Even so, Sydney and her husband seem nicer than her parents.
I do have a few questions and comments I can't write without spoiling the plot. I'm impatiently waiting for a real life friend to read it so we can get together and talk about it.
I would not recommend reading this book without having read at least some of the previous books in the series. Fans of the series will be delighted with this newest entry. I hope Stan continues to have adventures despite her feeling that Frog Ledge will start to quiet down. The author has two new pups who deserve their chance in the spotlight!
February 20, 2019
http://openbooksociety.com/article/mu...
Murder She Meowed
Pawsitively Organic Mysteries, Book #7
By Liz Mugavero
ISBN 9781496717580
Author Website: lizmugavero(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Kristan “Stan” Connor loves concocting tasty organic treats for dogs and cats–and she also loves her fiancé, pub owner Jake McGee. But she’s not so enthusiastic about finding a dead body at her own bachelorette party . . .
Stan and Jake’s wedding will soon take place on the town green in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, followed by a reception at their beloved Irish pub filled with friends, family, and their four favorite canine companions. Stan just has to endure the traditional girls’ night out first. Male strippers jumping out of gigantic cakes aren’t her preferred entertainment. But the hired hottie never gets around to taking it all off . . . because someone takes him out first with one of Stan’s kitchen knives. A heartbroken Stan recognizes the victim as one of the delivery men from the local farm–who must have been moonlighting for some extra cash. Now the guest list has turned into a suspect list–and Stan’s making a vow to find the killer . . .
Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes! (Goodreads)
Review:
For anyone who loves cats or dogs and cozy mysteries, this series is a must read! The characters and pets are a complete delight and the mystery is challenging to solve. There is love, laughter, hard work, and determination in Frog Ledge, Connecticut and the close friends. Seventh in the series, each is better than the preceding ones. In Murder She Meowed, Stan is getting ready for her wedding with the love of her life, Jake. Her pet food patisserie is now open and thriving, her mother and sister are now living in Frog Ledge, and her mother is trying her best to give Stan the kind of wedding she will look back on with joy. If only Stan would let Mom get her the fluffy gown, have the wedding at the church where she and Tony, Frog Ledge’s mayor, were married, and have the reception anywhere except at Jake’s bar…
Stan finally decided to let her sister, Caitlyn, surprise her with a bachelorette party, even though it was not what she wanted. Nor did she want to have a huge cake wheeled in her shop, where the surprise party was held, from which would leap a stripper. Or should have jumped out. If he had still been alive. Curled around the knife he was stabbed with was a young, handsome employee of the organic farm Stan orders meats and produce for her pet patisserie. Perry was a charming young man who had just been there earlier that day with a delivery. His girlfriend, Andrea, was there, and was beyond comfort. Stan’s friend and her fiancé’s sister Jessie, a state police sergeant, was already there as a guest, so she could begin the investigation.
In between a surprise wedding planner, a stalker, and asking questions of those who worked with or knew Perry, as well as getting the patisserie ready for business again, Stan has little time to worry about the little details of her wedding. Stan and Brenna, her only employee and Jake’s little sister, are making plans for what needs to be covered while she and Jake are away. Relationships within the Puck family are strained, and they choose to not cooperate with the police until they could put it off no longer. Stan and her sister pay a visit, and another, to the company that Perry did his stripping jobs through and found what look like a terribly suspicious operation, much more than people stripping at parties. Wherever Stan goes, it seems she finds Jessie a step ahead of, or behind her. Cyril, the publisher, editor, and reporter for the Frog Ledge Holler, turns up almost everywhere, trying to get quotes for his next editions. He is a man of many talents, however, and provides invaluable help to the case.
It is exciting to see the character development in each novel. Stan is my favorite, because of her loyalty to her friends, love for her pets, and dedication to the mission of her pet food business. Brenna has been her perfect right hand throughout the years of her business, and Nikki, her best friend, tries to help Stan stay sane while navigating the wedding plans her mother would like to see in place. I noticed that those who didn’t like Perry felt that way for the same reasons, whether relative or co-worker. Stan’s mother continues to surprise me. She is clearly trying very hard to improve her relationship with Stan, even if some of the changes are hard for her to make.
From the start, there were many good suspects. The plot twists are unique in that, rather than adding to the number of suspects, eliminates them one by one. As the wedding date rapidly approaches, the case is no closer to being solved. The real killer came as a surprise, as it was someone I had briefly considered, then eliminated early in the novel. Humor and the pets’ antics offset the grim business of murder, especially the reactions of Nutty and Benny with regards to some of the wedding planning. I highly recommend Murder She Meowed; whatever your day has been like, it will be much better with a visit to Frog Ledge!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Murder She Meowed
Pawsitively Organic Mysteries, Book #7
By Liz Mugavero
ISBN 9781496717580
Author Website: lizmugavero(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Kristan “Stan” Connor loves concocting tasty organic treats for dogs and cats–and she also loves her fiancé, pub owner Jake McGee. But she’s not so enthusiastic about finding a dead body at her own bachelorette party . . .
Stan and Jake’s wedding will soon take place on the town green in Frog Ledge, Connecticut, followed by a reception at their beloved Irish pub filled with friends, family, and their four favorite canine companions. Stan just has to endure the traditional girls’ night out first. Male strippers jumping out of gigantic cakes aren’t her preferred entertainment. But the hired hottie never gets around to taking it all off . . . because someone takes him out first with one of Stan’s kitchen knives. A heartbroken Stan recognizes the victim as one of the delivery men from the local farm–who must have been moonlighting for some extra cash. Now the guest list has turned into a suspect list–and Stan’s making a vow to find the killer . . .
Includes Gourmet Pet Food Recipes! (Goodreads)
Review:
For anyone who loves cats or dogs and cozy mysteries, this series is a must read! The characters and pets are a complete delight and the mystery is challenging to solve. There is love, laughter, hard work, and determination in Frog Ledge, Connecticut and the close friends. Seventh in the series, each is better than the preceding ones. In Murder She Meowed, Stan is getting ready for her wedding with the love of her life, Jake. Her pet food patisserie is now open and thriving, her mother and sister are now living in Frog Ledge, and her mother is trying her best to give Stan the kind of wedding she will look back on with joy. If only Stan would let Mom get her the fluffy gown, have the wedding at the church where she and Tony, Frog Ledge’s mayor, were married, and have the reception anywhere except at Jake’s bar…
Stan finally decided to let her sister, Caitlyn, surprise her with a bachelorette party, even though it was not what she wanted. Nor did she want to have a huge cake wheeled in her shop, where the surprise party was held, from which would leap a stripper. Or should have jumped out. If he had still been alive. Curled around the knife he was stabbed with was a young, handsome employee of the organic farm Stan orders meats and produce for her pet patisserie. Perry was a charming young man who had just been there earlier that day with a delivery. His girlfriend, Andrea, was there, and was beyond comfort. Stan’s friend and her fiancé’s sister Jessie, a state police sergeant, was already there as a guest, so she could begin the investigation.
In between a surprise wedding planner, a stalker, and asking questions of those who worked with or knew Perry, as well as getting the patisserie ready for business again, Stan has little time to worry about the little details of her wedding. Stan and Brenna, her only employee and Jake’s little sister, are making plans for what needs to be covered while she and Jake are away. Relationships within the Puck family are strained, and they choose to not cooperate with the police until they could put it off no longer. Stan and her sister pay a visit, and another, to the company that Perry did his stripping jobs through and found what look like a terribly suspicious operation, much more than people stripping at parties. Wherever Stan goes, it seems she finds Jessie a step ahead of, or behind her. Cyril, the publisher, editor, and reporter for the Frog Ledge Holler, turns up almost everywhere, trying to get quotes for his next editions. He is a man of many talents, however, and provides invaluable help to the case.
It is exciting to see the character development in each novel. Stan is my favorite, because of her loyalty to her friends, love for her pets, and dedication to the mission of her pet food business. Brenna has been her perfect right hand throughout the years of her business, and Nikki, her best friend, tries to help Stan stay sane while navigating the wedding plans her mother would like to see in place. I noticed that those who didn’t like Perry felt that way for the same reasons, whether relative or co-worker. Stan’s mother continues to surprise me. She is clearly trying very hard to improve her relationship with Stan, even if some of the changes are hard for her to make.
From the start, there were many good suspects. The plot twists are unique in that, rather than adding to the number of suspects, eliminates them one by one. As the wedding date rapidly approaches, the case is no closer to being solved. The real killer came as a surprise, as it was someone I had briefly considered, then eliminated early in the novel. Humor and the pets’ antics offset the grim business of murder, especially the reactions of Nutty and Benny with regards to some of the wedding planning. I highly recommend Murder She Meowed; whatever your day has been like, it will be much better with a visit to Frog Ledge!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
April 6, 2019
Murder, She Meowed by Liz Mugavero is the seventh book in her Pawsitively Organic Mysteries series and boy is it an amazing book and series !!!
Stan (nickname for Kristan) and Jake are planning their wedding .... unfortunately everything is going wrong !! Stan doesn't want a big wedding and wants to have it simple with the ceremony and reception taking place at Jake's pub, however, her mom and sister have other ideas. Before Stan can set things straight, she breaks down and allows her sister to hold a bachelorette party at Stan's shop. But instead of the male stripper jumping out of the cake to do a strip tease, he is found stabbed to death in the cake !!!
Stan cannot help but ask questions even though her sister-in-law to be is the Sargeant of the police force and is always telling her to butt out and leave things to her. And when Stan starts to get wierd notes and threats, she will do whatever she can to speed up solving the murder.
I fell in love instantly with Stan, Jake, their friends and family and their lifestyle. I love that they both own their own businesses and take some of their dogs to work with them. And their relationship is one to treasure !! When you're reading The Pawsitively Organic Mystery series, you will want to be there....sitting on a barstool at Jake's or hanging with Stan at the patisserie. You will feel like you are a part of the family and you won't want to leave. I mean .... come on....the place is called Frog Ledge....how cute is that ??
At the end of Murder, She Meowed Stan and Jake do get married and they are able to do it the way they want, even though Stan's mother tried very hard to change everything. I cannot wait for the next book in this series because I know even though they are going on their honeymoon, I am sure Stan will get involved in something. She cannot just relax !! I look forward to reading what comes next in their lives.
I highly recommend this series especially if you love animals, relationships, family, and small towns with a side of murder......
Stan (nickname for Kristan) and Jake are planning their wedding .... unfortunately everything is going wrong !! Stan doesn't want a big wedding and wants to have it simple with the ceremony and reception taking place at Jake's pub, however, her mom and sister have other ideas. Before Stan can set things straight, she breaks down and allows her sister to hold a bachelorette party at Stan's shop. But instead of the male stripper jumping out of the cake to do a strip tease, he is found stabbed to death in the cake !!!
Stan cannot help but ask questions even though her sister-in-law to be is the Sargeant of the police force and is always telling her to butt out and leave things to her. And when Stan starts to get wierd notes and threats, she will do whatever she can to speed up solving the murder.
I fell in love instantly with Stan, Jake, their friends and family and their lifestyle. I love that they both own their own businesses and take some of their dogs to work with them. And their relationship is one to treasure !! When you're reading The Pawsitively Organic Mystery series, you will want to be there....sitting on a barstool at Jake's or hanging with Stan at the patisserie. You will feel like you are a part of the family and you won't want to leave. I mean .... come on....the place is called Frog Ledge....how cute is that ??
At the end of Murder, She Meowed Stan and Jake do get married and they are able to do it the way they want, even though Stan's mother tried very hard to change everything. I cannot wait for the next book in this series because I know even though they are going on their honeymoon, I am sure Stan will get involved in something. She cannot just relax !! I look forward to reading what comes next in their lives.
I highly recommend this series especially if you love animals, relationships, family, and small towns with a side of murder......
December 20, 2018
Murder, She Meowed is the seventh book in Liz Mugavero’s Pawsitively Organic mystery series. The storyline is well written and the characters well developed. The steadily paced murder mystery is well plotted, with lots of twists and turns to keep readers engaged and guessing.
Kristan “Stan” Connor lives in the small town of Frog Ledge, Connecticut, with her fiancé, Jake McGee, who owns McSwigg’s, an Irish pub. Stan is the proprietor of Pawsitively Organic Pet Patisserie and Café, an organic pet food bakery. Stan’s mother, Patricia, is married to the town’s mayor, Tony Falco; her younger sister, Caitlyn, is a divorcee with a young daughter and is engaged to Kyle; and her best and oldest friend is Nikki Manning. Stan and Jake’s wedding is in three weeks, and they want a small wedding and reception in the pub, but Stan’s mother is driving her crazy by insisting the wedding take place in a church, with the reception at her house. Caitlyn is adamant that she throw Stan a traditional bachelorette party, even though she doesn’t want one. Stan’s surprised when he walks into the patisserie and finds all her friends there for the bachelorette party, but she’s even more surprised when no one pops out of the huge cake, as everyone expected would happen. When they look inside, they discover the male entertainer’s been murdered inside the cake. The body is identified as Perry Puck, one of the organic farm’s delivery guys. Sergeant Jessie Pasquale of the Connecticut State Police is in charge of the investigation and frustrated because Perry’s family is being uncooperative and others are holding back information from her. Jessie asks Stan to help with one small thing, but then to stay away from the investigation, but Stan has her sleuthing cap on and won’t be able to rest easy until the killer is caught.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Kristan “Stan” Connor lives in the small town of Frog Ledge, Connecticut, with her fiancé, Jake McGee, who owns McSwigg’s, an Irish pub. Stan is the proprietor of Pawsitively Organic Pet Patisserie and Café, an organic pet food bakery. Stan’s mother, Patricia, is married to the town’s mayor, Tony Falco; her younger sister, Caitlyn, is a divorcee with a young daughter and is engaged to Kyle; and her best and oldest friend is Nikki Manning. Stan and Jake’s wedding is in three weeks, and they want a small wedding and reception in the pub, but Stan’s mother is driving her crazy by insisting the wedding take place in a church, with the reception at her house. Caitlyn is adamant that she throw Stan a traditional bachelorette party, even though she doesn’t want one. Stan’s surprised when he walks into the patisserie and finds all her friends there for the bachelorette party, but she’s even more surprised when no one pops out of the huge cake, as everyone expected would happen. When they look inside, they discover the male entertainer’s been murdered inside the cake. The body is identified as Perry Puck, one of the organic farm’s delivery guys. Sergeant Jessie Pasquale of the Connecticut State Police is in charge of the investigation and frustrated because Perry’s family is being uncooperative and others are holding back information from her. Jessie asks Stan to help with one small thing, but then to stay away from the investigation, but Stan has her sleuthing cap on and won’t be able to rest easy until the killer is caught.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 30, 2019
Another fun cozy mystery in the Pawsitively Organic series! The town of Frog Ledge really comes to life and the characters are relateable and endearing (especially the pets)! I love cozies that include a wedding (even with a crazy momzilla) so this book, which also includes some great recipes for the fur kids, is definitely a must read!
March 5, 2019
Stan is planning her wedding, what could possibly go wrong...
What I enjoyed:
* I like Stan. She is a very no frills, get things done kind of person. But she is smart enough to call in the cops when threatened.
* Nikki - we finally got some time with Stan's best friend
* The investigation - I enjoyed where some of the red herrings led
What could have been better:
* The wedding conflict with her mother was just annoying. It was solved so simply, I don't understand why it went on so long.
* A bit concerned this might be the last in the series based on what the characters said at the end.
What I enjoyed:
* I like Stan. She is a very no frills, get things done kind of person. But she is smart enough to call in the cops when threatened.
* Nikki - we finally got some time with Stan's best friend
* The investigation - I enjoyed where some of the red herrings led
What could have been better:
* The wedding conflict with her mother was just annoying. It was solved so simply, I don't understand why it went on so long.
* A bit concerned this might be the last in the series based on what the characters said at the end.
January 19, 2019
I love this series! It just continues to get better and better. The author shares her love of pets and people to bring us an eclectic group of small-town friends, lovable cats and dogs, and more suspects and twists than the average cozy mystery.
Stan, owner of a new storefront, organic pet patisserie in Frog Ledge, is marrying Jake, who she met shortly after moving to Frog Ledge. I like Stan. Her priorities, business acumen, and loyalties to friends, family, and pets are what make her the fine young woman she is. The day for her wedding nears, and her mom and sister Caitlyn, who mean well, try to help her make more plans than she needs or wants. One of those plans include the bachelorette party Caitlyn and friends decided to surprise her with despite her protests. The surprise party turns out to be after hours at Stan's shop, and unfortunately the surprise is on everyone.
Including the guy who was supposed to jump out of the cake. Perry, a charming young man who works at the organic farm where Stan gets most of the meat and produce for the shop, was found dead in the cake, stabbed with one of the pet patisserie's knives. It is, for sure, a party nobody will forget.
Each of the characters is drawn with care, including Stan's mother and sister and Jake's sisters, and the various shop owners and business people in town. There is something new to learn about the regulars each time, especially since Stan's mom married Frog Ledge's mayor and moved to town. We meet Perry's family after his murder, and it is quite an interesting one.
The mystery is rich with suspects yet short on motives. The victim is working three jobs to meet his bills even while trying to not become the corporate man his family wants him to be. There are many secrets held by his family and his girlfriend that slowly begin to unravel. It was hard to guess who the real killer is! I had actually considered the person who killed Perry but slowly dismissed that person, so I was quite surprised at the real motive driving the person. I highly recommend Murder, She Meowed, and the rest of the series, especially to those who love cats, dogs, cozy mysteries, and organic foods.
I received an advance readers copy of this novel and this is my honest review.
Stan, owner of a new storefront, organic pet patisserie in Frog Ledge, is marrying Jake, who she met shortly after moving to Frog Ledge. I like Stan. Her priorities, business acumen, and loyalties to friends, family, and pets are what make her the fine young woman she is. The day for her wedding nears, and her mom and sister Caitlyn, who mean well, try to help her make more plans than she needs or wants. One of those plans include the bachelorette party Caitlyn and friends decided to surprise her with despite her protests. The surprise party turns out to be after hours at Stan's shop, and unfortunately the surprise is on everyone.
Including the guy who was supposed to jump out of the cake. Perry, a charming young man who works at the organic farm where Stan gets most of the meat and produce for the shop, was found dead in the cake, stabbed with one of the pet patisserie's knives. It is, for sure, a party nobody will forget.
Each of the characters is drawn with care, including Stan's mother and sister and Jake's sisters, and the various shop owners and business people in town. There is something new to learn about the regulars each time, especially since Stan's mom married Frog Ledge's mayor and moved to town. We meet Perry's family after his murder, and it is quite an interesting one.
The mystery is rich with suspects yet short on motives. The victim is working three jobs to meet his bills even while trying to not become the corporate man his family wants him to be. There are many secrets held by his family and his girlfriend that slowly begin to unravel. It was hard to guess who the real killer is! I had actually considered the person who killed Perry but slowly dismissed that person, so I was quite surprised at the real motive driving the person. I highly recommend Murder, She Meowed, and the rest of the series, especially to those who love cats, dogs, cozy mysteries, and organic foods.
I received an advance readers copy of this novel and this is my honest review.
January 26, 2019
MURDER, SHE MEOWED, the seventh book in the Pawsitively Organic Mystery series by Liz Mugavero, brings the reader to Frog Ledge, Connecticut where protagonist, Stan (Kristan) Conner is preparing for her nuptials. Weddings are supposed to be joyous times but Stan is feeling nothing but stress because her mother is planning the wedding of her dreams and not those of her daughter. Adding to Stan’s angst is her own sister forcing a bachelorette party on the bride-to-be, complete with a handsome guy jumping out of a huge cake. Except the poor man is stabbed to death inside the cake while waiting for his cue to entertain and drags Stan into focusing on murder instead of wedding plans. Ms. Mugavero weaves a tight tale that helps the reader feel the emotions the characters feel and visualize the scenes they occupy. I greatly enjoy how, with each book, she’s stretched the protagonist and supporting characters. This has brought about personal and external challenges, growth and change which reflect how endearing the characters have become to readers throughout this series.
The mystery itself is well-plotted. The victim seems like a happy-go-lucky guy which makes it harder to imagine someone would actually want to murder him. Yet as Stan delves into his life, she finds people who were jealous of him and the suspects start piling up. I’ll admit the creepy stalker and Fatal Attraction scenario with a chocolate bunny was a clever idea and captured my attention. It added a unique twist with an interesting ending that I didn’t see coming. While Stan has a way of getting involved in investigations, her future sister-in-law, a sergeant with the Connecticut State Police, hasn’t always been happy about her meddling. It was nice to see how she’s finally recognizing that Stan has valuable insight and welcomes it to help capture the killer. MURDER, SHE MEOWED is another terrific addition to an entertaining and endearing series!
I received an advance copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The mystery itself is well-plotted. The victim seems like a happy-go-lucky guy which makes it harder to imagine someone would actually want to murder him. Yet as Stan delves into his life, she finds people who were jealous of him and the suspects start piling up. I’ll admit the creepy stalker and Fatal Attraction scenario with a chocolate bunny was a clever idea and captured my attention. It added a unique twist with an interesting ending that I didn’t see coming. While Stan has a way of getting involved in investigations, her future sister-in-law, a sergeant with the Connecticut State Police, hasn’t always been happy about her meddling. It was nice to see how she’s finally recognizing that Stan has valuable insight and welcomes it to help capture the killer. MURDER, SHE MEOWED is another terrific addition to an entertaining and endearing series!
I received an advance copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 29, 2019
Kristan “Stan” Connor's life is always hoping. As the owner of the pet patisserie, Pawsitively Organic, Stan is doing something she loves...baking treats for cats and dogs. Now that it's time to marry her fiancé, pub owner Jake McGee, she's not in love with the traditions that come along with a wedding, mainly a bachelorette party.
This party features a dead body, a hired stripper ready to entertain the crowd. But before he can, someone kills him with one of Stan’s kitchen knives. When the guest list turns into a suspect list for a party she never wanted to happen, Stan knows she has to find a killer.
This is the first book in the series that I've read, and I have to admit I chose it because I love Liz Mugavero's other series that she writes as Cate Conte.
This book did not disappoint. Full of vibrant characters and a plot that is a page-turner, it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I loved meeting Stan and Jake, and it's a great thought that I have six books before this one that I can go back and read now that I've discovered this series.
There is romance in this book, but it's not overpowering. And there are pets...lots of cats and dogs that made me smile as they made their appearances. I am definitely looking forward to the previous books in this series, and seeing where it goes after Murder, She Meowed.
I read a digital ARC of this book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
This party features a dead body, a hired stripper ready to entertain the crowd. But before he can, someone kills him with one of Stan’s kitchen knives. When the guest list turns into a suspect list for a party she never wanted to happen, Stan knows she has to find a killer.
This is the first book in the series that I've read, and I have to admit I chose it because I love Liz Mugavero's other series that she writes as Cate Conte.
This book did not disappoint. Full of vibrant characters and a plot that is a page-turner, it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I loved meeting Stan and Jake, and it's a great thought that I have six books before this one that I can go back and read now that I've discovered this series.
There is romance in this book, but it's not overpowering. And there are pets...lots of cats and dogs that made me smile as they made their appearances. I am definitely looking forward to the previous books in this series, and seeing where it goes after Murder, She Meowed.
I read a digital ARC of this book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
December 27, 2018
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for allowing me an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
Welcome to Frog Ledge and the wedding of the season. The time has arrived for the nuptials of Stan and Jake but alas it's Frog Ledge so everything can't go as planned. Over the last six books in this series, Stan has come across her fair share of bodies and this book is no different.
On the night of her bachelorette party, everyone is having fun, including Stan who didn't want the party to begin with. That is until the "cake" comes out which contains the body of Perry Puck, the male entertainment for the evening. Once again Stan finds herself in the middle of a police investigation. If that wasn't enough she's also having to deal with her overbearing mother who's trying to change her wedding. Stan and Jake were hoping for a small affair at his pub, but Patricia has other plans including a huge church wedding and a reception at her house.
The latest installment in the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries series does not let down in the cozy factor and is also a quick read. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series to get to know even more crazy characters who live in Frog Ledge.
Welcome to Frog Ledge and the wedding of the season. The time has arrived for the nuptials of Stan and Jake but alas it's Frog Ledge so everything can't go as planned. Over the last six books in this series, Stan has come across her fair share of bodies and this book is no different.
On the night of her bachelorette party, everyone is having fun, including Stan who didn't want the party to begin with. That is until the "cake" comes out which contains the body of Perry Puck, the male entertainment for the evening. Once again Stan finds herself in the middle of a police investigation. If that wasn't enough she's also having to deal with her overbearing mother who's trying to change her wedding. Stan and Jake were hoping for a small affair at his pub, but Patricia has other plans including a huge church wedding and a reception at her house.
The latest installment in the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries series does not let down in the cozy factor and is also a quick read. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series to get to know even more crazy characters who live in Frog Ledge.
April 2, 2019
Stan and Jake are planning to get married in Jake's Irish pub, but her mother and sister want to plan a more elaborate wedding, even though the big day is now only 3 weeks away.
Caitlyn wants to hold a bachelorette party for his sister, but Stan is against it. She finally agrees and the party is held the next day in Stan's dog bakery. The party goes better than expected until they find a dead stripper in the cake, stabbed with one of Stan's own knives.
As if a murder is not enough, the dead man apparently had a stalker who has now turned his attention to Stan. The stalker gets into the bakery and leaves a frightening note and even gets into Stan's own house and boils her bunny (a chocolate bunny that Jake had given her at Easter).
Stan finds a box on her doorstep and is dismayed that her mother has gifted her with an elaborate wedding gown, which Stan hates. She is happy when one of her cats pulls it off the hanger in the closed, kneads it, then leaves a slimy hairball on the expensive gown. Totally unusable.
But this is a cozy mystery and we know the suspect will be found before the wedding day and Stan and her mother will come to an agreement over the wedding.
Caitlyn wants to hold a bachelorette party for his sister, but Stan is against it. She finally agrees and the party is held the next day in Stan's dog bakery. The party goes better than expected until they find a dead stripper in the cake, stabbed with one of Stan's own knives.
As if a murder is not enough, the dead man apparently had a stalker who has now turned his attention to Stan. The stalker gets into the bakery and leaves a frightening note and even gets into Stan's own house and boils her bunny (a chocolate bunny that Jake had given her at Easter).
Stan finds a box on her doorstep and is dismayed that her mother has gifted her with an elaborate wedding gown, which Stan hates. She is happy when one of her cats pulls it off the hanger in the closed, kneads it, then leaves a slimy hairball on the expensive gown. Totally unusable.
But this is a cozy mystery and we know the suspect will be found before the wedding day and Stan and her mother will come to an agreement over the wedding.
January 31, 2019
I love this series and was so happy to be able to review this book. I've been reading about Stan, Jake, and the rest of the gang since the beginning. Finally, in this book, we come to the wedding of Jake and Stan - whoo hoo! Unfortunately, murder overshadows the planning process, as does Stan's mother, Patricia, with all of her over-the-top wedding plans. We are finally introduced to Stan's best friend, Nikki in the flesh and even Jessie seems to have softened up to Stan and her "meddling" ways.
This was a quick, fun read and very well written. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily review this book on NetGalley. #netgalley #lizmugavero #murdershemeowed
This was a quick, fun read and very well written. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily review this book on NetGalley. #netgalley #lizmugavero #murdershemeowed
December 3, 2018
Such a fun read! Stan is prepping for her marriage, but of course nothing goes easy. When someone ends up murdered at her bachelorette party, she finds herself, once again, trying to solve a murder. What is so great about this series is that with each book, you don't miss a beat. The series flows seamlessly from one book to the other,this latest installment being no exception. A top notch mystery, growing dynamics between characters, and a setting that you wish you were in, this story is a must read.
January 22, 2019
I really enjoy this story. Liz Mugavero always delivers in this series.
This had an interesting twist to the story, Jessie needs Stan’s help. I liked how everyone pulled together to solve the mystery and get the wedding on the road.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Looking forward to another installment.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Publishing Corporation and NetGalley. These are my unsolicited opinions.
This had an interesting twist to the story, Jessie needs Stan’s help. I liked how everyone pulled together to solve the mystery and get the wedding on the road.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Looking forward to another installment.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Publishing Corporation and NetGalley. These are my unsolicited opinions.
December 27, 2020
I really enjoy this series
April 23, 2026
Thought the cat would play a bigger role in this. I thought the ending was pretty rushed. Once it’s revealed who was guilty the book ends like one chapter later.
April 1, 2019
3.5 dragged in a few spots
November 8, 2019
Good mystery it was a fast easy going book
December 9, 2018
Wedding bells are ringing and the bachelorette party is one that no one will ever forget, when the male entertainment is found murdered inside the cake he was supposed to pop out of. But who would want to kill the handsome and likable young man? And why are they now after Stan?
As Stan prepares for her wedding to Jake, there is enough stress on her plate, but add to that a murder in her shop, at her bachelorette party no less, and her Mother trying to change the wedding plans three weeks before they’re set to walk down the aisle. Stan’s friends rally around her and do their best to comfort her and help distract her Mother. Now Stan just needs to get the funeral behind her, hope the police can solve the murder and walk down the aisle with her handsome man.
This was my first introduction to this series and I was not lost at all. It was an enjoyable read and found the reference to Fatal Attraction to be quite amusing. Here’s to catching up on the first six books in the series. I love when I find an enjoyable series that also has a good number of books to catch up on. Recommend this one!
As Stan prepares for her wedding to Jake, there is enough stress on her plate, but add to that a murder in her shop, at her bachelorette party no less, and her Mother trying to change the wedding plans three weeks before they’re set to walk down the aisle. Stan’s friends rally around her and do their best to comfort her and help distract her Mother. Now Stan just needs to get the funeral behind her, hope the police can solve the murder and walk down the aisle with her handsome man.
This was my first introduction to this series and I was not lost at all. It was an enjoyable read and found the reference to Fatal Attraction to be quite amusing. Here’s to catching up on the first six books in the series. I love when I find an enjoyable series that also has a good number of books to catch up on. Recommend this one!
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