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Cozy Mystery Tails of Alaska #1
Mushing is Murder
Sometimes the warm love of a dog eases the discomfort of being cold and alone.
Angie Seaver isn’t exactly thrilled to be moving back to her small hometown of Lost Bay, Alaska. Her mother’s health isn’t good, and her father is away much of the time, determined to win the Iditarod dog sled race, which leaves no one to run the family diner.
A stranger in the harsh land that was once her home, Angie is faced with the challenge of figuring out how to run the business on her own. She soon realizes that many of the locals still see her as “little Angie Seaver,” and vows to prove herself by making the diner more successful than it’s ever been.
When the unexpected death of a friend casts suspicion on her father, Angie is determined to prove her father’s innocence, and discovers that things aren’t as they seem in the small town. With help from a handsome young acquaintance, she uncovers secrets that have been buried for decades…but will what she finds clear her father’s name, or condemn him?
Will the answers leave her heart colder than the Alaskan wilderness?
Angie Seaver isn’t exactly thrilled to be moving back to her small hometown of Lost Bay, Alaska. Her mother’s health isn’t good, and her father is away much of the time, determined to win the Iditarod dog sled race, which leaves no one to run the family diner.
A stranger in the harsh land that was once her home, Angie is faced with the challenge of figuring out how to run the business on her own. She soon realizes that many of the locals still see her as “little Angie Seaver,” and vows to prove herself by making the diner more successful than it’s ever been.
When the unexpected death of a friend casts suspicion on her father, Angie is determined to prove her father’s innocence, and discovers that things aren’t as they seem in the small town. With help from a handsome young acquaintance, she uncovers secrets that have been buried for decades…but will what she finds clear her father’s name, or condemn him?
Will the answers leave her heart colder than the Alaskan wilderness?
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2019
169 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Patti Benning
313 books208 followershttps://www.facebook.com/Patti-Bennin...
When Cozy Mystery author, Patti Benning, isn’t busy plotting the deaths of multiple fictitious characters, she loves to spend time hiking with her rescue dog, Max, who is her bestest writing buddy.
Patti loves to cook and the food in her books has been tried and tested in her very own kitchen. She’s technologically shy, and stays away from social media a great deal, because it makes her feel more awkward and introverted than meeting someone face to face.
Writing is the perfect job for her because in her books, she gets to explore all the topics she loves, food, animals, crafts and reading. She loves her readers dearly, and is thankful for the opportunity to share with them through her work.
When Cozy Mystery author, Patti Benning, isn’t busy plotting the deaths of multiple fictitious characters, she loves to spend time hiking with her rescue dog, Max, who is her bestest writing buddy.
Patti loves to cook and the food in her books has been tried and tested in her very own kitchen. She’s technologically shy, and stays away from social media a great deal, because it makes her feel more awkward and introverted than meeting someone face to face.
Writing is the perfect job for her because in her books, she gets to explore all the topics she loves, food, animals, crafts and reading. She loves her readers dearly, and is thankful for the opportunity to share with them through her work.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 27, 2019
Angie heads back to her childhood home in Alaska after troubles in her life as well as to help with her mother who has Parkinson's. Her father raises, trains and runs dogs in sled races as well as running the family diner. Soon after her arrival, a neighbor shows up in the Diner looking for her father because a sled team has shown up on his property without a driver. She and the neighbor head out to find out where he is only to find his body. After thinking it was an accident, the Sheriff comes around to question her dad as a possible killer since the victim was his best friend. She starts asking questions to find the real killer.
I enjoyed the book a lot because of the setting, characters and yes - the dogs. LOL the thing is the mystery part was really weak, but that's okay because I did enjoy it. Maybe book two in the series will make up for it with a better mystery. I think part of the problem was the length - a bit longer, more clues or suspects and motives could have been provided.
I enjoyed the book a lot because of the setting, characters and yes - the dogs. LOL the thing is the mystery part was really weak, but that's okay because I did enjoy it. Maybe book two in the series will make up for it with a better mystery. I think part of the problem was the length - a bit longer, more clues or suspects and motives could have been provided.
May 12, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Angie has come back to Alaska because her mother is sick and her dad needs help. She is working in the family restaurant in town. Her and a neighbor are searching for the owner of the dog sled he had found. They find a dead body that turns out too be murder. Angie pieces things together and solves the murder leading to the arrest of the killer. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of quick novella reads and romantic family mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
Angie has come back to Alaska because her mother is sick and her dad needs help. She is working in the family restaurant in town. Her and a neighbor are searching for the owner of the dog sled he had found. They find a dead body that turns out too be murder. Angie pieces things together and solves the murder leading to the arrest of the killer. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of quick novella reads and romantic family mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
September 11, 2021
Comment before reading -- I don't care how good this little story proves to be, it loses not one but TWO stars for crappy formatting. Do you Summer Prescott people even know what a book is supposed to look like?
And now, having wasted two hours of my life on this dumb "mystery," I will simply say it's as crappy as the formatting.
(Typo fixed. I wrote the above line immediately after finishing the "book" on my Kindle, which has a crappy tiny keyboard.)
Anyway, here's why one star:
The shitty formatting. Block paragraphs. No paragraphs. "Coffee" was more often "c offee" and "off" was far too frequently "o ff." Once is an error; ten times is A Problem.
Angie leaves California to go home to small town Alaska to help her parents. More of the book was her tribulations in their diner than anything to do with mushing; I don't think the Iditarod was mentioned more than once. No scenes training with the dogs. THERE WAS NO MUSHING.
Murder doesn't happen until more than halfway through the book. Virtually no official investigation. Angie figures it out all by herself with no investigation, like some midnight sun version of Arnold Horshack.
And now, having wasted two hours of my life on this dumb "mystery," I will simply say it's as crappy as the formatting.
(Typo fixed. I wrote the above line immediately after finishing the "book" on my Kindle, which has a crappy tiny keyboard.)
Anyway, here's why one star:
The shitty formatting. Block paragraphs. No paragraphs. "Coffee" was more often "c offee" and "off" was far too frequently "o ff." Once is an error; ten times is A Problem.
Angie leaves California to go home to small town Alaska to help her parents. More of the book was her tribulations in their diner than anything to do with mushing; I don't think the Iditarod was mentioned more than once. No scenes training with the dogs. THERE WAS NO MUSHING.
Murder doesn't happen until more than halfway through the book. Virtually no official investigation. Angie figures it out all by herself with no investigation, like some midnight sun version of Arnold Horshack.
May 9, 2019
This book is a fast and easy read. It is perfect for when you want to unwind but are short on time. I was kept guessing, changing who I suspected a few time. I like the back story of an adult daughter moving home to help her aging parents. It is a very real scenario. What made it even better is that the family is flawed. They suffered a tragedy that split them up. They are healing but it’s not been an overnight lovefest. It is going along in a real life fashion. I like that. There is a possible love interest but, in this book at least, it wasn’t pushed heavily. It is set in small town Alaska and has mushers as part of the story! I adore that. Those dogs are amazing! I love reading about their care. This book had enough going on that I plan to read more in this series.
I came across this book while looking for a different one that was set in Alaska. I have not read anything by this author before. I did see that she has a few series and I want to look into those. I have read books put out by Summer Prescott Books and have enjoyed them. The editing of this small publishing company has been solid. I borrowed this book from the Kindle Unlimited program.
I came across this book while looking for a different one that was set in Alaska. I have not read anything by this author before. I did see that she has a few series and I want to look into those. I have read books put out by Summer Prescott Books and have enjoyed them. The editing of this small publishing company has been solid. I borrowed this book from the Kindle Unlimited program.
February 21, 2019
Don't mess with me!
A good read. Not great as the characters didn't really come across as vivid and real but that should work with further books. The plot however is a good, well developed one and very believable.
She has come back to Alaska after years away. She had needed to get away after the death of her sister. Now she can't get over how aged her parents look and the way her father has thrown her into the deep end at the diner. However when one of the neighbours comes in with the news that he has found a dog team but no driver her heart stops. Is it her father? They find the man dead and discover that it is one of their friends. When her father gets hauled in as a suspect, she starts investigating. Can she clear her father? Could the move back bring her the romance she has been looking for?
A good read. Not great as the characters didn't really come across as vivid and real but that should work with further books. The plot however is a good, well developed one and very believable.
She has come back to Alaska after years away. She had needed to get away after the death of her sister. Now she can't get over how aged her parents look and the way her father has thrown her into the deep end at the diner. However when one of the neighbours comes in with the news that he has found a dog team but no driver her heart stops. Is it her father? They find the man dead and discover that it is one of their friends. When her father gets hauled in as a suspect, she starts investigating. Can she clear her father? Could the move back bring her the romance she has been looking for?
December 12, 2020
I seem to always be able to rely on this author for a fun and intriguing mystery with some great characters that I find I'd like to be friends with. I really liked Angie and her parents as well as Malcolm. I have a feeling he and Angie may end up as good friends, since he's over at her dad's a lot anyway. When one of her dad's friends was murdered, Angie found herself questioning which one of the other friends could have done it. Either way she looked at it, someone she knew killed the guy, and most likely it was one of her dad's acquaintances. I know that would have worried me a lot, especially since her dad's dogs' tug line was cut, what if he was next?
There was a good showdown where the perp even confessed. I have the next book, so I'm anxious to see what Angie gets into next.
There was a good showdown where the perp even confessed. I have the next book, so I'm anxious to see what Angie gets into next.
March 25, 2019
Dogs,snow, & family
Some times it takes years for hearts and family's to heal. That's
how Angie felt as she found her way back to Alaska. To help her
parents, that she hadn't seen in years. Then the worst thing that
Could possibly happened, did murder. Her father is the number one
Suspect on the sheriff's list. Can Angie solve the murder of her dad's
Best friend, before he ends up in jail for life. Find out by reading this great
Alaska dog mushing mystery. A great twisting mystery, I'm eager to start
reading the 2nd book in this series.
Debra H.
Some times it takes years for hearts and family's to heal. That's
how Angie felt as she found her way back to Alaska. To help her
parents, that she hadn't seen in years. Then the worst thing that
Could possibly happened, did murder. Her father is the number one
Suspect on the sheriff's list. Can Angie solve the murder of her dad's
Best friend, before he ends up in jail for life. Find out by reading this great
Alaska dog mushing mystery. A great twisting mystery, I'm eager to start
reading the 2nd book in this series.
Debra H.
July 12, 2025
I really enjoyed the start to a new series. I love this author and her many series and this one did not disappoint. Angie Seaver moves back to help out at the family diner when her mother is sick. Nothing goes well day one she is left by herself to run the diner. Day two she finds a body.
I really like Angie as a main character and her to be love interest looks promising. I like the side characters like her mother, father and co workers.
The story line was quick paced and a good fast read.
I really like Angie as a main character and her to be love interest looks promising. I like the side characters like her mother, father and co workers.
The story line was quick paced and a good fast read.
February 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and was happy to read a book set in Alaska. I loved how the author described some of the training for the Iditarod, why the dogs lived outside and the love shared between the owners and the dogs. The murder mystery in this beautiful setting kept my attention and kept me guessing as to who the murderer was. I can’t wait to read more books in this wonderful series!
January 1, 2021
An easy to read mystery that held my interest. The plot moved right along and the author provided glimpses into the world of dog racing, Alaska life and working in a family dinner. There is also hints to a family mystery that are left unanswered. I am looking forward to reading the next book to find out more.
April 26, 2024
Another promising new series
Angie returns home from the west coast to her family in Alaska to help her ailing mom. She no sooner arrives home than her father puts her in charge of opening the diner with no warning. As she starts to settle in a neighbor is found dead in the woods and the mystery takes off. A fun read.
Angie returns home from the west coast to her family in Alaska to help her ailing mom. She no sooner arrives home than her father puts her in charge of opening the diner with no warning. As she starts to settle in a neighbor is found dead in the woods and the mystery takes off. A fun read.
March 1, 2019
Great setting
This is book 1 in a new series set in Alaska. I really enjoyed the setting and the dogs. I'm hoping there's more character development in the next book, only because I feel like I just didn't get to know them well. But that didn't distract from me enjoying the book.
This is book 1 in a new series set in Alaska. I really enjoyed the setting and the dogs. I'm hoping there's more character development in the next book, only because I feel like I just didn't get to know them well. But that didn't distract from me enjoying the book.
March 24, 2019
Having a unique locale and a backstory that is a breath of fresh air are two of many things that make this a great book. I enjoy mysteries and love when I can learn new things while reading as well. This book checks both of those boxes and adds in a possible budding romance as well.
Read
October 12, 2020Husky lover
Loved the book, looking forward to rest of the series. I have owned four Siberian husky and one elkhound. I thought the characters were easy to keep track of and it was interesting and quick reading.
Loved the book, looking forward to rest of the series. I have owned four Siberian husky and one elkhound. I thought the characters were easy to keep track of and it was interesting and quick reading.
December 10, 2020
Cozy mysteries tails of Alaska book 1
Loved this story...can't wait to read the next one..great characters and storyline...don't pass this one up...Patti Banning is going to be a favorite authoe.
Loved this story...can't wait to read the next one..great characters and storyline...don't pass this one up...Patti Banning is going to be a favorite authoe.
February 21, 2019
Loved it
This was a great read. New and interesting characters from a great Author. Can't wait for more in this series. Patti Benning never fails with her great stories.
This was a great read. New and interesting characters from a great Author. Can't wait for more in this series. Patti Benning never fails with her great stories.
February 24, 2019
New Series
Liked this first book in the Tails of Alaska - good characters and really interesting story. Looking forward to book 2.
Liked this first book in the Tails of Alaska - good characters and really interesting story. Looking forward to book 2.
February 25, 2019
New Series taking place in Alaska. Good reading, I think it's gonna be a hit!
March 11, 2019
Great new series
I have read every book by Patti. I have loved them all. This new series is great. I find the characters engaging. I look forward to book 2.
I have read every book by Patti. I have loved them all. This new series is great. I find the characters engaging. I look forward to book 2.
March 15, 2019
Love this new series
I really enjoyed this book. it was so good I read it all in one sitting. The characters &setting are great i look forward to reading more in this series.
I really enjoyed this book. it was so good I read it all in one sitting. The characters &setting are great i look forward to reading more in this series.
May 8, 2019
A thrilling cozy series set in Alaska with heart warming characters and twisted murder plots.
June 4, 2019
You gotta love Alaska
Well written book and a surprise ending made my night reading it. Loved the animals but not likely to love the weather. Cannot wait to read the next book.
Well written book and a surprise ending made my night reading it. Loved the animals but not likely to love the weather. Cannot wait to read the next book.
November 7, 2019
Great book!
Enjoyed this book very much. I think I'm going to like this series. Can't wait to start the next book.
Enjoyed this book very much. I think I'm going to like this series. Can't wait to start the next book.
December 5, 2020
This was an interesting little read around family drama. It was quirky and detailed on some features in those lives whom are around the Iditarod. Read during the Corona Virus Pandemic of 2020.
December 13, 2020
Loved it
All the story was there without all extra explanations of small things to have more words. This author does a great job if story telling.
All the story was there without all extra explanations of small things to have more words. This author does a great job if story telling.
Read
August 31, 2021Mushing is Murder
Interesting characters but not much depth to the actual story plot. I like that the location is in Alaska and there's sledding involved.
Interesting characters but not much depth to the actual story plot. I like that the location is in Alaska and there's sledding involved.
June 26, 2023
good light murder mystery,only I dislike about it was too short a novel , the author could have expanded the story to give an deeper background to the story.
June 26, 2023
Who killed Bill and why??? He drugged the dogs??? just to be number one??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
August 1, 2025
Another Benning winner
A very cozy Alaskan mystery. Love the characters as well as an intriging plot
A quick read...a nice break from boring days.
A very cozy Alaskan mystery. Love the characters as well as an intriging plot
A quick read...a nice break from boring days.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews