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The Oyster Cove Guesthouse #3
A Purrfect Alibi
Fortune tellers and mediums have descended on the Oyster Cove Guesthouse, determined to solve the mystery of local seafarer Jedediah Biddeford’s murder 300 years ago... especially if it leads them to the treasure he buried on the guesthouse grounds. New owner Josie Waters has suddenly got bigger problems than burning the breakfasts: she’s up to her elbows in tarot cards and tea leaves…
When one of the mediums is found dead with an ominous note nearby, everything points to Jedediah’s ghost being the culprit. Suddenly, Josie finds that the fate of her guesthouse depends on not one murder but two, and she’s not going to rely on a crystal ball for answers. Despite the fact that cookbooks and candlesticks keep mysteriously falling off tables, Josie is sure there’s no such thing as ghosts. But guesthouse cats Nero and Marlowe know better…
Aided by her mom and eccentric family friend Millie, Josie sets out to prove the identity of the killer without summoning any spirits. Luckily Nero and Marlowe know the truth about ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night and they are on the case! Can they make Josie realize she is scratching up the wrong tree before the killer strikes again?
From the bestselling author of the USA Today bestselling Mystic Notch series, purrfect for fans of Adele Abbott, cat lovers and anybody who loves to curl up with a page-turning cozy mystery.
When one of the mediums is found dead with an ominous note nearby, everything points to Jedediah’s ghost being the culprit. Suddenly, Josie finds that the fate of her guesthouse depends on not one murder but two, and she’s not going to rely on a crystal ball for answers. Despite the fact that cookbooks and candlesticks keep mysteriously falling off tables, Josie is sure there’s no such thing as ghosts. But guesthouse cats Nero and Marlowe know better…
Aided by her mom and eccentric family friend Millie, Josie sets out to prove the identity of the killer without summoning any spirits. Luckily Nero and Marlowe know the truth about ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night and they are on the case! Can they make Josie realize she is scratching up the wrong tree before the killer strikes again?
From the bestselling author of the USA Today bestselling Mystic Notch series, purrfect for fans of Adele Abbott, cat lovers and anybody who loves to curl up with a page-turning cozy mystery.
216 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2019
715 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Leighann Dobbs
132 books1,845 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 25, 2019
Another wonderful book in the Oyster Cove Guesthouse mystery series, A Purrfect Alibi sees our resident feline sleuths Nero and Marlowe solving the murder of a tarot card reader. Madam Zenda was staying at the guesthouse, along with several other psychics trying to contact the ghost of former guesthouse owner Jedediah Biddeford, when she was murdered. So who murdered her? Was it one of the other psychics? They all seem to be hiding secrets! Or was it the ghost of Jedediah himself?
Nero and Marlowe have their work cut out for them this time, so along with their humans, they set about solving the murder in their own inimitable style.
A fabulous series, the Oyster Cove Guesthouse books never fail to entertain. Wonderful characters, a lighthearted manner, and of course, those marvellous cats, you can't help but feel swept along inside the tale. Highly recommended to all lovers of cosy mysteries.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nero and Marlowe have their work cut out for them this time, so along with their humans, they set about solving the murder in their own inimitable style.
A fabulous series, the Oyster Cove Guesthouse books never fail to entertain. Wonderful characters, a lighthearted manner, and of course, those marvellous cats, you can't help but feel swept along inside the tale. Highly recommended to all lovers of cosy mysteries.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2019
Yes, you are seeing double today with a two for one review special. A Whisker in the Dark and A Purrfect Alibi by Leighann Dobbs are books two and three of the cozy The Oyster Cove Guesthouse series and since I read them together from my catch up pile I thought the reviews would pretty much mirror one another so in the interest of me not typing it all twice and you reading it twice I’m doing both in one go.
The Oyster Cove Guesthouse series is one that has a slight twist to the normal cozy formula of a sleuthing amatuer with it’s lead, Josie Waters, sharing the stories point of view with two sleuthing kitties who get to share their voices and also help solve the mystery. The formula is still the same though in which each book has an all new mystery to solve so they can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so.
In A Twist in the Tail we meet Josie Waters who had wanted to completely start over in life after her divorce and get away from her ex-husband. Moving from Ohio to Maine Josie purchased the Oyster Cove Guesthouse, a Victorian mansion turned into a bed and breakfast. After solving (with some kitty help) one mystery Josie has a couple more in books two and three now.
Being one that loves different of course I seek out these types of book that bend the mold of genre norms and being a sucker for cute critters I adored the antics of the resident felines as they help their clueless human (their words not mine) solve a crime. I actually like Josie quite a bit too and don’t think she’s as clueless as her pets seem to think and have plenty of laughs along the way not only due to the felines but some creative secondary characters. So I definitely do recommend checking out this lovely cozy series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The Oyster Cove Guesthouse series is one that has a slight twist to the normal cozy formula of a sleuthing amatuer with it’s lead, Josie Waters, sharing the stories point of view with two sleuthing kitties who get to share their voices and also help solve the mystery. The formula is still the same though in which each book has an all new mystery to solve so they can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so.
In A Twist in the Tail we meet Josie Waters who had wanted to completely start over in life after her divorce and get away from her ex-husband. Moving from Ohio to Maine Josie purchased the Oyster Cove Guesthouse, a Victorian mansion turned into a bed and breakfast. After solving (with some kitty help) one mystery Josie has a couple more in books two and three now.
Being one that loves different of course I seek out these types of book that bend the mold of genre norms and being a sucker for cute critters I adored the antics of the resident felines as they help their clueless human (their words not mine) solve a crime. I actually like Josie quite a bit too and don’t think she’s as clueless as her pets seem to think and have plenty of laughs along the way not only due to the felines but some creative secondary characters. So I definitely do recommend checking out this lovely cozy series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 15, 2019
Once again, the Oyster Cove Guesthouse is in the spotlight when one of the group of psychics currently staying at the guesthouse ends up murdered. Immediately owner Josie, her mother and Millie, plus of course feline sleuths Nero and Marlowe step up to investigate. Josie is worried about the negative impact on the guesthouse and Myron from the bank pulling her loan. So they’re desperate to find the killer before anyone else dies.
Was there a connection to the death of Jedediah Biddeford whose skeleton was found a few weeks previously? Was his ghost back to seek revenge? Was it someone searching for the elusive treasure that Jedediah was reputed to have in his possession?
A Purrfect Alibi is the 3rd in the Oyster Cove Guesthouse series by Leighann Dobbs and is another light and entertaining cosy mystery. My favourite characters are of course, Nero, Marlowe and the posse of cat detectives. Josie’s abilities in the kitchen are improving, while the guests are strange, intriguing and secretive. I’m quite looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Was there a connection to the death of Jedediah Biddeford whose skeleton was found a few weeks previously? Was his ghost back to seek revenge? Was it someone searching for the elusive treasure that Jedediah was reputed to have in his possession?
A Purrfect Alibi is the 3rd in the Oyster Cove Guesthouse series by Leighann Dobbs and is another light and entertaining cosy mystery. My favourite characters are of course, Nero, Marlowe and the posse of cat detectives. Josie’s abilities in the kitchen are improving, while the guests are strange, intriguing and secretive. I’m quite looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2019
Before reading -
After reading -
Rating:
5 catnip stars!
Trigger:
None!
Short review:
Murder strikes again in Oyster Cove Guesthouse and it is upto Nero and Marlow's efficient paws and noses to solve this as soon as possible. I must admit, I am losing all the interest in all 'hoomans' involved into the story and spend all the time in cats' brain, is it wrong?
This time it is a fresh murder however Josie and gang are not only solving the new one but 300 years old murder of Jedediah Biddeford. and who is more efficient to aid this murder mystery then Jed himself! His ghost teams up with our beloved cats and things are moving in right direction....
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes, if you enjoy cozy mysteries I would strongly recommend this entire series.
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
Marlow slitted an eye open and looked at Nero, then sighed and snuggled deeper into the chair. "I'm glad both cases are solved. I'm looking forward to long restful days spent catnapping and chasing mice."
"Me too," Nero mumbled, already drifting off to sleep. "Hopefully it will be a good long while before another murder happens at the Oyster Cove Guesthouse."
Well, I certainly hope it won't be too long. I just finished this and I'm eagerly waiting for next in the series....there are strong chances, I might reread this series whenever I'm in reader's block. This series is that good...I can't recommend enough.
After reading -
Rating:
5 catnip stars!
Trigger:
None!
Short review:
Murder strikes again in Oyster Cove Guesthouse and it is upto Nero and Marlow's efficient paws and noses to solve this as soon as possible. I must admit, I am losing all the interest in all 'hoomans' involved into the story and spend all the time in cats' brain, is it wrong?
This time it is a fresh murder however Josie and gang are not only solving the new one but 300 years old murder of Jedediah Biddeford. and who is more efficient to aid this murder mystery then Jed himself! His ghost teams up with our beloved cats and things are moving in right direction....
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes, if you enjoy cozy mysteries I would strongly recommend this entire series.
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
Marlow slitted an eye open and looked at Nero, then sighed and snuggled deeper into the chair. "I'm glad both cases are solved. I'm looking forward to long restful days spent catnapping and chasing mice."
"Me too," Nero mumbled, already drifting off to sleep. "Hopefully it will be a good long while before another murder happens at the Oyster Cove Guesthouse."
Well, I certainly hope it won't be too long. I just finished this and I'm eagerly waiting for next in the series....there are strong chances, I might reread this series whenever I'm in reader's block. This series is that good...I can't recommend enough.
February 20, 2020
Fortune tellers and mediums have descended on the Oyster Cove Guesthouse, determined to solve the mystery of local seafarer Jedediah Biddeford’s murder 300 years ago... especially if it leads them to the treasure he buried on the guesthouse grounds. New owner Josie Waters has suddenly got bigger problems than burning the breakfasts: she’s up to her elbows in tarot cards and tea leaves…
This was another fun addition to the Oyster Cove Guesthouse series. It wasn't as engaging to me as the two previous books, but I still liked it. It's a cozy mystery so you have to be able to suspend disbelief while reading. I think that's probably the hardest thing for me when reading books like this. How many times can murders happen at one Inn? How many times can it happen and people still want to stay there? I honestly thought just the 300 year old mystery of Jedidiah's murder would have been enough to carry this book, but of course there ends up being another murder.
Once again the cats were the best part of the book. I love reading the banter between Nero and Marlowe, but I do wonder how the ghost could understand them, I mean they're cats. There were also very, very small steps toward a possible romance for Josie. I kind of find that aspect of the series frustrating, because the romance was just too slow moving for me.
While I've enjoyed these and I am now caught up on the series, I'm not really sure how many more of these I will read. I would have preferred if this had been a trilogy, instead of a series with no end in sight. There is only so much pure fluff I can read, and then I need to move on.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
This was another fun addition to the Oyster Cove Guesthouse series. It wasn't as engaging to me as the two previous books, but I still liked it. It's a cozy mystery so you have to be able to suspend disbelief while reading. I think that's probably the hardest thing for me when reading books like this. How many times can murders happen at one Inn? How many times can it happen and people still want to stay there? I honestly thought just the 300 year old mystery of Jedidiah's murder would have been enough to carry this book, but of course there ends up being another murder.
Once again the cats were the best part of the book. I love reading the banter between Nero and Marlowe, but I do wonder how the ghost could understand them, I mean they're cats. There were also very, very small steps toward a possible romance for Josie. I kind of find that aspect of the series frustrating, because the romance was just too slow moving for me.
While I've enjoyed these and I am now caught up on the series, I'm not really sure how many more of these I will read. I would have preferred if this had been a trilogy, instead of a series with no end in sight. There is only so much pure fluff I can read, and then I need to move on.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
June 29, 2020
A Purrfect Alibi by Leighann Dobbs was a perfect end to the mystery of Jedediah Biddeford and his treasure, but I am so sad that there aren't any more books out to this series!
A Purrfect Alibi had all the elements from the first two books that I love so much, and I really enjoyed the addition of psychics this time. It didn't make me laugh quite as much as the last two, but it definitely kept a smile on my face and had a surprising ending. I kinda saw this one coming just a little bit, but the big reveal was fun, and I enjoyed having my suspicions confirmed plus finding out more than I had figured out!
Once again I loved the cats in this book and basically all of the characters. The ghost in this one was a nice touch, and I really just have so much love for this Oyster Cove Guesthouse series. Sadly, this appears to be the last installment currently out and I really hope Dobbs will decide to write some more at some point. I love being in this world and I love how funny and witty the books are. All three are currently out on Kindle Unlimited and I recommend them, especially as a nice palate cleanser if you need something fun and light.
A Purrfect Alibi had all the elements from the first two books that I love so much, and I really enjoyed the addition of psychics this time. It didn't make me laugh quite as much as the last two, but it definitely kept a smile on my face and had a surprising ending. I kinda saw this one coming just a little bit, but the big reveal was fun, and I enjoyed having my suspicions confirmed plus finding out more than I had figured out!
Once again I loved the cats in this book and basically all of the characters. The ghost in this one was a nice touch, and I really just have so much love for this Oyster Cove Guesthouse series. Sadly, this appears to be the last installment currently out and I really hope Dobbs will decide to write some more at some point. I love being in this world and I love how funny and witty the books are. All three are currently out on Kindle Unlimited and I recommend them, especially as a nice palate cleanser if you need something fun and light.
August 7, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
If you're a cozy fan, then Leighann Dobbs is probably already on your radar. What I'm recommending is move her from your radar and into your reading shelf, because all of her mysteries are just so good! She works best with cats, and this one is no exception. Sometimes talking, mystery solving cats can come off as a little cheese, but that isn't the case here. We have likable cat characters, and likable clueless human characters as well!
I really liked the mystery, especially because not all the suspects were bad and some of them actually get a happy ending. There were multiple red herrings, and so many odd scenes that I really wasn't sure who to trust by the end of it. All round though, it was nice to see both a 300 year old mystery solved as well as a modern day one, and then there is the added supernatural elements too. The sneaky hint about Mystic Notch was funny too; I like when Authors reference their other works!
Sure hope this gets a wiggle on in the romance department though; book three and they're still skating around each other nervously. Someone needs a push, so hopefully something happens in the next book.
This and Leighann's other series are a must read for cozy lovers. Try them and you won't regret it! Five stars.
If you're a cozy fan, then Leighann Dobbs is probably already on your radar. What I'm recommending is move her from your radar and into your reading shelf, because all of her mysteries are just so good! She works best with cats, and this one is no exception. Sometimes talking, mystery solving cats can come off as a little cheese, but that isn't the case here. We have likable cat characters, and likable clueless human characters as well!
I really liked the mystery, especially because not all the suspects were bad and some of them actually get a happy ending. There were multiple red herrings, and so many odd scenes that I really wasn't sure who to trust by the end of it. All round though, it was nice to see both a 300 year old mystery solved as well as a modern day one, and then there is the added supernatural elements too. The sneaky hint about Mystic Notch was funny too; I like when Authors reference their other works!
Sure hope this gets a wiggle on in the romance department though; book three and they're still skating around each other nervously. Someone needs a push, so hopefully something happens in the next book.
This and Leighann's other series are a must read for cozy lovers. Try them and you won't regret it! Five stars.
October 9, 2019
Feline sleuths Marlowe and Nero have another murder to solve at the Oyster Cove Guesthouse. A group of psychics have descended upon the guesthouse to try and talk to the ghost of Jedediah Biddeford so they can find out where he buried his treasure before he was killed. Myron, the banker, isn't happy about the negative publicity such a group could bring but Josie isn't turning away any paying guests if she wants to get the repairs done and repay her loan from the bank.
When tarot card reader Madam Zenda is murdered, Josie, her mom, and Millie (the former owner of the Guesthouse and Josie's mom's best friend) decide to find out who killed her before guests start cancelling their reservations. Of course the Guesthouse cats Nero and his protege Marlowe are there to help sniff out the clues.
I think this is my favorite of the series so far, because Nero and Marlowe seem to have a bigger role in the story. Not only do they help solve Madam Zenda's murder but they can see and talk to the ghost of Jedediah Biddeford!! Yep, Jedediah's ghost makes an appearance and adds some comic relief as he gets used to being a ghost. It seems he's only been able to take the form of a ghost since being freed from the wall where his body was buried for 300 years.
Josie seems to be adjusting to running the Guesthouse. She's not burning things when she bakes anymore and she's really starting to like Nero and Marlowe. She even acknowledges that they try to communicate with her.
There were so many clues pointing to almost everyone I wasn't sure who did it. I had an idea who the bad guy was but didn't have a clue why I thought it was him/her other than I didn't like them and thought they were up to something. I'm still waiting for Josie and Mike to quit dancing around each other and do something about their mutual attraction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy to read. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
When tarot card reader Madam Zenda is murdered, Josie, her mom, and Millie (the former owner of the Guesthouse and Josie's mom's best friend) decide to find out who killed her before guests start cancelling their reservations. Of course the Guesthouse cats Nero and his protege Marlowe are there to help sniff out the clues.
I think this is my favorite of the series so far, because Nero and Marlowe seem to have a bigger role in the story. Not only do they help solve Madam Zenda's murder but they can see and talk to the ghost of Jedediah Biddeford!! Yep, Jedediah's ghost makes an appearance and adds some comic relief as he gets used to being a ghost. It seems he's only been able to take the form of a ghost since being freed from the wall where his body was buried for 300 years.
Josie seems to be adjusting to running the Guesthouse. She's not burning things when she bakes anymore and she's really starting to like Nero and Marlowe. She even acknowledges that they try to communicate with her.
There were so many clues pointing to almost everyone I wasn't sure who did it. I had an idea who the bad guy was but didn't have a clue why I thought it was him/her other than I didn't like them and thought they were up to something. I'm still waiting for Josie and Mike to quit dancing around each other and do something about their mutual attraction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy to read. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 14, 2019
If you love cozy murder mysteries to solve and furry feline friends, then you are in for a double treat as both are in abundance in this story. I haven't read any of the other books in the series but thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I can't think of anything nicer than a quaint seaside guest house to relax in but when the whole place is taken over by mediums and fortune tellers to mark the 300-year-old anniversary of Jedediah Biddeford's murder, discover who killed him and solve where he buried his treasure, then it really becomes more of a preening feathers and popularity contest with them all. Each of them swearing they are the real thing but the others are fakes. It isn't long before one of the mediums is murdered, not something any of them saw coming I must add, and with a ghostly message from Jedediah himself warning them all off.
New owner Josie Waters, her mum and a family friend Millie decide to try and solve the mystery themselves, without the aid of their guests. If it isn't solved then the business will falter and the bank will call in the loan on the place. Waiting in the wings patiently are Nero and Marlowe, the resident cats who not only can see ghosts but are determined to solve the case too.
There are some really colourful characters in this story, bold, dramatic and totally entertaining. Each desperate to be the one to solve both old and new murders and all the glory that would push their careers further up and ladder of fame. I loved the idea of the cats being detectives, having more freedom than most other family pets and the ability to be more stealth and blend in. These two kept me totally involved in the story. A lovely light cozy read.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have honestly reviewed.
I can't think of anything nicer than a quaint seaside guest house to relax in but when the whole place is taken over by mediums and fortune tellers to mark the 300-year-old anniversary of Jedediah Biddeford's murder, discover who killed him and solve where he buried his treasure, then it really becomes more of a preening feathers and popularity contest with them all. Each of them swearing they are the real thing but the others are fakes. It isn't long before one of the mediums is murdered, not something any of them saw coming I must add, and with a ghostly message from Jedediah himself warning them all off.
New owner Josie Waters, her mum and a family friend Millie decide to try and solve the mystery themselves, without the aid of their guests. If it isn't solved then the business will falter and the bank will call in the loan on the place. Waiting in the wings patiently are Nero and Marlowe, the resident cats who not only can see ghosts but are determined to solve the case too.
There are some really colourful characters in this story, bold, dramatic and totally entertaining. Each desperate to be the one to solve both old and new murders and all the glory that would push their careers further up and ladder of fame. I loved the idea of the cats being detectives, having more freedom than most other family pets and the ability to be more stealth and blend in. These two kept me totally involved in the story. A lovely light cozy read.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have honestly reviewed.
September 12, 2019
So I’m back at the Oyster Bay Guest House, with Nero, Marlowe and their human Josie, along with her mum Rose and friend Millie. This is the third in the series, it can be read as a stand alone but I’d highly recommend reading the book before, A Whisker In The Dark because there’s bit of crossover story wise.
There’s ghostly high jinks afoot as the guest house is full of mediums and psychics all trying to find Jedediah Biddeford’s missing treasure and uncover his killer. Madam Zenda claims to be in contact with Jed but ends up dead with a letter of warning to stay away from the guest house. Did a Jed’s ghost really come back and kill her? Nero, Marlowe and Josie are on the case.
A Purrfect Alibi is a fun, fur filled mystery that I couldn’t get enough of!
I can’t tell you how much this series always manages to cheer me up. It’s chock full of loveable characters, great mysteries and with a little hint of romance in there too. I genuinely never thought I’d be a fan of animals as sleuths but now I just can’t get enough.
Truthfully I had the murderer pegged quite early on, but Leighann Dobbs really kept me guessing, doubting that I was right.
I really hope there are going to be more books from the Oyster Bay Guest House, and I for one can’t wait for more!
There’s ghostly high jinks afoot as the guest house is full of mediums and psychics all trying to find Jedediah Biddeford’s missing treasure and uncover his killer. Madam Zenda claims to be in contact with Jed but ends up dead with a letter of warning to stay away from the guest house. Did a Jed’s ghost really come back and kill her? Nero, Marlowe and Josie are on the case.
A Purrfect Alibi is a fun, fur filled mystery that I couldn’t get enough of!
I can’t tell you how much this series always manages to cheer me up. It’s chock full of loveable characters, great mysteries and with a little hint of romance in there too. I genuinely never thought I’d be a fan of animals as sleuths but now I just can’t get enough.
Truthfully I had the murderer pegged quite early on, but Leighann Dobbs really kept me guessing, doubting that I was right.
I really hope there are going to be more books from the Oyster Bay Guest House, and I for one can’t wait for more!
August 7, 2019
Another stay at Oyster Cove Guesthouse begins with murder! When a group of mediums/psychics gather to try to "connect" with the ghost of Jedidiah Biddeford, who died at the guesthouse hundreds of years ago,, trouble and murder come calling. Not only do the guests want to "connect" with the ghost but they also want to find his treasure!
I'm enjoying seeing how Josie is adapting to running the guesthouse and how her friendship with the cat "caretakers" - Nero and Marlowe is developing. The feline group of "investigators" that Nero and Marlowe work with are just as entertaining as the human group - that makes the book so enjoyable and it's a fun to see each group react to clues and suspicious characters. Millie and Josie's Mom add to the humor and are always ready to investigate. The mystery kept me guessing and there were "red herrings" (no pun intended!) that kept both feline and humans puzzled.
I love the author's Mystic Notch series and the new series doesn't disappoint! I am impatiently waiting for the next visit to the Oyster Cove Guesthouse!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
I'm enjoying seeing how Josie is adapting to running the guesthouse and how her friendship with the cat "caretakers" - Nero and Marlowe is developing. The feline group of "investigators" that Nero and Marlowe work with are just as entertaining as the human group - that makes the book so enjoyable and it's a fun to see each group react to clues and suspicious characters. Millie and Josie's Mom add to the humor and are always ready to investigate. The mystery kept me guessing and there were "red herrings" (no pun intended!) that kept both feline and humans puzzled.
I love the author's Mystic Notch series and the new series doesn't disappoint! I am impatiently waiting for the next visit to the Oyster Cove Guesthouse!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
July 22, 2022
This was even better than the first two. We finally had some actual paranormal mystery! A skeleton buried behind a wall for hundreds of years leads to a ghost! Throw a few people who claim to be mediums who communicate with the dead and you have a good little cozy mystery. I can’t forget about Nero and Marlowe! The cats are the best part of the series.
August 10, 2019
A Purrfect Alibi is Book 3 in the Oyster Cover Guesthouse Cozy Mystery Series.
I have read the first two books, but this can definitely act as a stand alone mystery. These books are really good and you would definitely want to check out the first two books in this great series.
Josie is dealing with a lot, all her guests are psychics that are trying to ascertain the location of treasure. Add to that murder, and Josie has her hands filled.
I definitely do not like the character of Myron, who is the Bank Owner that loaned Josie money for improvements. I am okay that he is not likeable, but it doesn't seem realistic that a loan officer would be visiting the property so frequently, though he is sweet on Josie.
The cats Nero and Marlowe are fantastic in this mystery and I really enjoy their story line.
The mystery is well written with quite a few surprises. This is a great series that I hope continues.
I have read the first two books, but this can definitely act as a stand alone mystery. These books are really good and you would definitely want to check out the first two books in this great series.
Josie is dealing with a lot, all her guests are psychics that are trying to ascertain the location of treasure. Add to that murder, and Josie has her hands filled.
I definitely do not like the character of Myron, who is the Bank Owner that loaned Josie money for improvements. I am okay that he is not likeable, but it doesn't seem realistic that a loan officer would be visiting the property so frequently, though he is sweet on Josie.
The cats Nero and Marlowe are fantastic in this mystery and I really enjoy their story line.
The mystery is well written with quite a few surprises. This is a great series that I hope continues.
November 5, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
A Purrfect Alibi is the 3rd Oyster Cove Guesthouse mystery by Leighann Dobbs. Released 18th Sept 2019, it's 219 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a cute paranormal murder mystery cozy with anthropomorphic talking cats (they talk to one another). For readers who are familiar with the series, this is another in much the same vein (although the paranormal theme is more prominent in the story arc here than in previous volumes). Obviously with talking cats and the third(?) murder in a few weeks at the guesthouse, this book (and the series) requires a hefty suspension of disbelief. If readers are willing to invest in the story, they will be rewarded with an entertaining light read with treasure, ghosts, and a pack of eccentric characters including visiting psychics and investigative reporter. This is definitely aimed at a readership who appreciate cozies with recipes included at the back. I fully intend to try out the turkey breakfast sausage recipe soon.
The language is very clean, nary a curse word to be seen. There is no explicit sexual content. There is a cute romance element as one of the main plot devices, but nothing blush-worthy at all.
For Kindle Unlimited subscribers; the titles in this series are available in the KU subscription to borrow and download for free.
Four stars. Entertaining light reading.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Purrfect Alibi is the 3rd Oyster Cove Guesthouse mystery by Leighann Dobbs. Released 18th Sept 2019, it's 219 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a cute paranormal murder mystery cozy with anthropomorphic talking cats (they talk to one another). For readers who are familiar with the series, this is another in much the same vein (although the paranormal theme is more prominent in the story arc here than in previous volumes). Obviously with talking cats and the third(?) murder in a few weeks at the guesthouse, this book (and the series) requires a hefty suspension of disbelief. If readers are willing to invest in the story, they will be rewarded with an entertaining light read with treasure, ghosts, and a pack of eccentric characters including visiting psychics and investigative reporter. This is definitely aimed at a readership who appreciate cozies with recipes included at the back. I fully intend to try out the turkey breakfast sausage recipe soon.
The language is very clean, nary a curse word to be seen. There is no explicit sexual content. There is a cute romance element as one of the main plot devices, but nothing blush-worthy at all.
For Kindle Unlimited subscribers; the titles in this series are available in the KU subscription to borrow and download for free.
Four stars. Entertaining light reading.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 19, 2019
Part three in this series and I like it more and more.
I appreciate stories with pets as main characters, although I have to admit that cats are not my favourite ones. Give me a dog (or more than one lol) any time and you have a friend for life in me, but hey tastes differ and I am the first to respect other people’s choices and it certainly does not make me like a book any less. 🙂
The author really captures the behaviour of cats. They feel slightly (or not so slightly LOL) superior to their humans and treat them often like slaves and who says pets are not able to speak? Of course they do not use words but if you pay attention you will understand perfectly what they want.
I also enjoy the way the author describes the conversations between the cats. If you would replace words like paws by hands or claws by nails, etc you could easily think you are following a discussion between a group of people.
The author combined the feline characteristics and the human ones beautifully.
Cats and humans united ! Murderers, be aware! 🙂 5 stars.
Thank you, Leighann Dobbs and Bookouture (via Netgalley)
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
I appreciate stories with pets as main characters, although I have to admit that cats are not my favourite ones. Give me a dog (or more than one lol) any time and you have a friend for life in me, but hey tastes differ and I am the first to respect other people’s choices and it certainly does not make me like a book any less. 🙂
The author really captures the behaviour of cats. They feel slightly (or not so slightly LOL) superior to their humans and treat them often like slaves and who says pets are not able to speak? Of course they do not use words but if you pay attention you will understand perfectly what they want.
I also enjoy the way the author describes the conversations between the cats. If you would replace words like paws by hands or claws by nails, etc you could easily think you are following a discussion between a group of people.
The author combined the feline characteristics and the human ones beautifully.
Cats and humans united ! Murderers, be aware! 🙂 5 stars.
Thank you, Leighann Dobbs and Bookouture (via Netgalley)
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
August 23, 2019
I've been really enjoying this series, A Purrfect Alibi feels like is has tied up some loose ends from the other books too.
I think that am although it can probably be read as a standalone that reading the previous book at least would give you fat more benefit to following the bigger story arcs.
For a book filled with psychics, mediums, fortune tellers and ghosts, all things I'm incredibly sceptical about, I really did enjoy it a lot.
It is great to see Josie, finally realising that Nero and Marlowe own her and that they may just know how to solve a mystery.
Although for the life of me I couldn't figure out why, I did have suspicions who the murderer was, but the actual motive took me completely by surprise.
Really pleasurable way to spend a few hours, and I greatly enjoy this author's writing style.
I really hope this isn't the last we see of Oyster Cove and our feline detectives.
Thank you to Bookouture on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I think that am although it can probably be read as a standalone that reading the previous book at least would give you fat more benefit to following the bigger story arcs.
For a book filled with psychics, mediums, fortune tellers and ghosts, all things I'm incredibly sceptical about, I really did enjoy it a lot.
It is great to see Josie, finally realising that Nero and Marlowe own her and that they may just know how to solve a mystery.
Although for the life of me I couldn't figure out why, I did have suspicions who the murderer was, but the actual motive took me completely by surprise.
Really pleasurable way to spend a few hours, and I greatly enjoy this author's writing style.
I really hope this isn't the last we see of Oyster Cove and our feline detectives.
Thank you to Bookouture on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 9, 2019
With the aftermath of the treasure hunters and stories coming from the events that recently happened at the Oyster Cove Guesthouse. Josie Waters now has a houseful of fortune tellers and mediums. All hoping to talk to the ghost of Jedediah Biddeford. They want to help find who had killed him 300 years prior, and maybe get a hint as to where his treasure may be hidden.
Someone doesn't want this particular mystery solved, and is willing to kill to keep longtime secrets secret.
This is another fun story from Leighann Dobbs. It has several surprises along with a fair amount of humor and red herrings to keep you guessing.
This is a stand-alone story that goes well with the previous ones. They can be read in any order, although there are some references to previous events. You will not feel you are really missing anything.
I would like to thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the use of this advanced copy.
Someone doesn't want this particular mystery solved, and is willing to kill to keep longtime secrets secret.
This is another fun story from Leighann Dobbs. It has several surprises along with a fair amount of humor and red herrings to keep you guessing.
This is a stand-alone story that goes well with the previous ones. They can be read in any order, although there are some references to previous events. You will not feel you are really missing anything.
I would like to thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the use of this advanced copy.
September 18, 2019
For a great cozy mystery with fun characters and a charming plot, you don’t have to look much further than this latest series from Leighann Dobbs. The third in her Oyster Cove Guesthouse series can be read as a standalone, but (as always) it’s a little more fun if you are familiar with the characters. This installment features a bunch of fortune-tellers and mediums (who may or may not be legit) converging to solve a 300-year-old mystery. It’s good fun with a few surprises along the way. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, you will want to pick this one up. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a complimentary, pre-release, digital copy of this book.
March 3, 2020
Okay, but for some reason it didn't hold my interest.
November 29, 2019
I like mysteries...the way they used to be. Some cozies are fine, others...not so much. They are more "cozy" and cute than mystery. This one...oh, where to begin. First we have a 300-yr old skeleton discovered (in a previous book) who left a treasure in a now guesthouse. So, mediums are descending to try and contact the long-dead ghost. And, there's a murder. And there is a ghost. The odd thing is..the skeleton of the person now a ghost was found behind a wall, long hidden from sight. The ghost doesn't appear until the skeleton is discovered, because, the book explains, the spirit was walled up along with the ghost. Only now, the ghost, while just learning to move things (like knocking items off tables to scare people), can go through a wooden chest to see what's inside. Now, if he can do that, why couldn't he have gone through the wall where the skeleton was? I thought that's what ghosts did...they haunted places until their earthly remains were found, and their murderer caught. Bit tough to haunt someplace if your skeleton is never found...and where does that leave the ...spirit??..in limbo??
In spite of the ghost's ability to knock items off mantels and shelves, he can't seem to do anything but rattle a cup and saucer that are set near the edge of a table..a good thing because the cup and saucer are very old and precious...and who told him this...why the talking cats, of course.
Now, I enjoy animals that are part and parcel of a story..usually. But when they start talking, and yes they do speak to the ghost...well, that's a bit too much. And these cats not only talk to each other (and the ghost)...they go down to the corner store and talk to all the other cats in the village. There are complete chapters where it's just the cats.
One could say that if you read about ghosts and are happy with that, you should be able to accept talking cats. Well, no. I can deal with cats who push books off shelves in order to give their owners a hint to solving a crime, or meow at a door they want opened so the owner can discover a clue..or a dog that pulls its owner along a path to discover something important...but talking...NO, NO, and definitely NO!!!!
And for those of you who read this, and are wondering why I finished the book...I was in a place with nothing to do, and only this book to help pass some time. The time went very slowly....
In spite of the ghost's ability to knock items off mantels and shelves, he can't seem to do anything but rattle a cup and saucer that are set near the edge of a table..a good thing because the cup and saucer are very old and precious...and who told him this...why the talking cats, of course.
Now, I enjoy animals that are part and parcel of a story..usually. But when they start talking, and yes they do speak to the ghost...well, that's a bit too much. And these cats not only talk to each other (and the ghost)...they go down to the corner store and talk to all the other cats in the village. There are complete chapters where it's just the cats.
One could say that if you read about ghosts and are happy with that, you should be able to accept talking cats. Well, no. I can deal with cats who push books off shelves in order to give their owners a hint to solving a crime, or meow at a door they want opened so the owner can discover a clue..or a dog that pulls its owner along a path to discover something important...but talking...NO, NO, and definitely NO!!!!
And for those of you who read this, and are wondering why I finished the book...I was in a place with nothing to do, and only this book to help pass some time. The time went very slowly....
August 11, 2019
The Oyster Cove Guesthouse is overrun with psychics, mediums, and a ghost. Josie, her mom, and Millie are trying to find out how a skeleton ended up in her wall over 300 years ago. When that leads to a present-day murder, the three sleuths, with the help of their two cats, have to figure out what is going on before Josie loses any more guesthouse business. Or before someone else dies!
This is the third in the series. I haven't read the first two and wasn't aware that this was paranormal, which isn't really my thing. The cats talk to each other. I nearly gave up at that point. However, I stuck with it and was able to suspend reality enough to enjoy those parts. I won't read any others in the series or in the future, though. Too many character names start with M.
This is the third in the series. I haven't read the first two and wasn't aware that this was paranormal, which isn't really my thing. The cats talk to each other. I nearly gave up at that point. However, I stuck with it and was able to suspend reality enough to enjoy those parts. I won't read any others in the series or in the future, though. Too many character names start with M.
August 16, 2019
In A Purrfect Alibi, Josie Waters the new owner of Oyster Cove Guesthouse is up to her eyes and ears in fortune tellers and mediums. All who claim can talk to the ghost of Jedediah Biddeford, a local sailor who was murdered 300 years ago and they just found his body in the wall when working on renovations in the ballroom. The real stars of this story are all the cats. They are the real detectives and have quite the army of them. Of course, it would never do to let humans know of their secret abilities, so they have to find ways to make it look like a human is the one who solves the crime. A very new and unique way of telling a story. I enjoyed this book very much. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 14, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Oh, i loved this book. It was so much fun! Basically, a b&b is home to a ghost, some magical sleauthing kitties, and the humans lucky enough to be owned by them. The cats and humans are working separately to solve the case of a man buried behind a wall centuries ago and his buried treasure. This book is precious and i loved reading every minute.
August 14, 2019
Josie and her Oyster Cove Guesthouse are hosting tarot readers, crystal-ball gazers and psychic mediums. They are there hoping to make contact with the late Jedediah Biddeford and find his hidden treasure. When a body is found, Nero and Marlowe try to find the culprit before the humans do. It is amusing watching them try to give their clues to Josie. This is a wonderful story and a fantastic series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.
August 15, 2019
Great series! Love the Maine setting, the guesthouse, the lovely ladies who do the sleuthing and the cats that always help with the investigating! The addition of the “friendly ghost” is perfect in this one. If you like cozy mysteries, strong women protagonists, beautiful settings, great plots and a little romance, then you need to read this series!
October 8, 2019
I enjoyed this fast paced cozy. Well-written and a great story! I really like the setting and am enjoying this series.
March 27, 2020
This is a light, easy read, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t also clever and intriguing. In fact, it’s because of the author’s imagination and abilities that it makes for such smooth, enjoyable and effortless entertainment.
We have an interesting paranormal murder mystery to solve, helped on the way by two very likeable talking cats. You have to allow yourself to accept that anything can happen when you read a book in this genre, and so these cats don’t come over as twee or gooey. In fact, they’re sharp observers of this next murder in a series of them.
The human characters are all eccentric in one way or another, which is as it should be in a cozy! They’re as much fun as the puzzling plot and the joyously bizarre setting of Oyster Cove and the guesthouse.
You get everything you need in this novel to while away a few immensely pleasurable hours in a world where things aren’t quite as they seem, and thank goodness for that.
We have an interesting paranormal murder mystery to solve, helped on the way by two very likeable talking cats. You have to allow yourself to accept that anything can happen when you read a book in this genre, and so these cats don’t come over as twee or gooey. In fact, they’re sharp observers of this next murder in a series of them.
The human characters are all eccentric in one way or another, which is as it should be in a cozy! They’re as much fun as the puzzling plot and the joyously bizarre setting of Oyster Cove and the guesthouse.
You get everything you need in this novel to while away a few immensely pleasurable hours in a world where things aren’t quite as they seem, and thank goodness for that.
July 16, 2021
This is a cute series. As owner of the Oyster Cove guesthouse, Josie worries about the renovations which are proving costly. She needs to keep the rooms filled in order to repay the loan. A group of mediums and psychics have descended on her to search for a treasure and to communicate with the long-dead owner’s ghost. While Josie is glad of the bookings, things take a turn for the worse when another murder occurs. Of course, it’s up to the cats Nero and Marlowe to help their psychic-impaired human solve the case!
September 29, 2020
Writing this to remind myself not to read these anymore. Josie's mother & her mother's best friend (Millie) are insufferable. Millie suckered Josie out her life savings and convinces her to take out a huge loan in order to buy Millie's rundown B&B. Then when Josie complains about the banker's constant harassment, they tell her that he must have a crush on her, & that Josie should flirt in order to keep him from calling in the loan. Gross!
June 1, 2020
A nice light read
Nero and Marlowe are excellent sleuths, and Josie is potentially a worthy sidekick. Although the villain and the motive for the crimes are fairly obvious, the feline mystery solving crew is a fun twist and makes following the clues to a resolution delightful. The other characters are negligible, however, and in need of more dimension and charm.
Nero and Marlowe are excellent sleuths, and Josie is potentially a worthy sidekick. Although the villain and the motive for the crimes are fairly obvious, the feline mystery solving crew is a fun twist and makes following the clues to a resolution delightful. The other characters are negligible, however, and in need of more dimension and charm.
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