Hounds, Harvest, and Homicide

Pooch Party #2

by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

Missy Kingston loves her shelter dogs, and no one will stop her from finding their furever homes, not even a murderer.

“This is a great whodunnit that keeps you guessing until the very end.” Amazon reviewer

“A well-crafted tale!” Amazon reviewer



It’s time for the city’s biggest event, the annual fundraising gala for the local women’s shelter. Half the town attends, including all city officials, and anyone who at least thinks they’re anyone always shows up.

Because of that, I’ve taken the bull by the horns—or should I say dog by the leash—and I’m using the grand event to show off the shelter dogs.

Because every event is better with dogs, right?

I’ve planned a fantastic pooch party down to every last detail, and I’ve chosen the best dogs at the shelter. Of course, all the dogs are the best, so it’s going to be a big pooch party!

What I didn’t plan for was murder. And the murder of the most prominent financial contributor to the women’s shelter, at that.

I’m happy to report that the dogs aren’t in any danger, but something equally tragic is happening. My close friend, my deceased husband’s best friend, and a dutiful city council member is the cop’s main suspect.

Nope. I can’t let that happen, Max means too much.

I’m determined to prove my friend’s innocence, no matter what happens, and that determination leads me down a path of power, politics, and money, and straight into the killer's line of sight.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.

Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com

Reviews

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hounds, Harvest and Homicide by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson was an intriguing cozy mystery. There are several suspects, plenty of twists and a smoothly paced plot that kept me reading.
I confess that Missy did disappoint me in this one. Don't get me wrong, I like Missy and her determination to help her friends and the shelter animals. However, she seemed to be jumping from one conclusion to another in this story. She kept assuming that the information she was getting was true without verifying any of it. All in all this was a entertaining book and I will continue with the series.

The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing worse than getting snowed in with a killer unless it's a killer that thinks you know too much! An excellent second book in this new series! The author further enhances each characters' unique personality so that you feel like you are getting to know them even better which strengthens the plot as you become invested in the characters outcomes! I can't wait to see what happens next, what animals we'll meet in the future and what will happen in each characters personal lives! I am so loving this series!

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this new cozy mystery series from Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. In my opinion, it’s more than a cozy mystery. It has the things you associate with cozy mysteries, the good people, small town feeling, animals, (a lovely mix), and of a good mystery. But then the author goes further. The animals come from the shelter that is a huge part of the main character’s life. It’s not just background noise. You learn a lot about shelter life and the pets up for adoption. You may think it’s a distraction in a mystery. You would be mistaken. Ms. Aspenson handles well the tricky balance. It’s not the only thing the author expertly handles in this series. Missy, the main character, is grieving the loss of her husband, Sam. It has been awhile since his death, (if there is one truth in life, it is grief has no time limit and no easy path), and some feel Missy should start dating. This isn’t something Missy can move fast on. I’m happy it isn’t. The reason for it? The author is real about grief. Using Missy she tells us the things no one really talks about, which makes it feel like we are doing grief wrong. The loneliness after the “acceptable“ grief time. The shattered dreams, the pain, the bittersweet memories. The way the world keeps going when your heart stops. It might sound depressing but Ms Aspenson has a magic touch with it. She keeps it real yet she doesn’t drown us in it. Death and grief are a big part of life. She acknowledges that and allows us to see that whatever we are feeling, how ever long it takes, it is normal. We are normal. I really appreciate this message. I appreciate this honest approach to grief. It truly isn’t depressing. Missy is a functioning person. She is intelligent, funny, caring, kind, animal lover, good mother and good friend. There is even someone who may, or may not, turn into a love interest. Ms Aspenson’s willingness to bring out and deal with realistic parts of life makes this cozy mystery a unique and don’t miss series. You could read this book on its own.The mystery is complete. But I recommend starting with the first book, Pooches, Pumpkins and Poison. You are going to get attached to Missy, Hayden, (her daughter), and the shelter. Do yourself the favor and get both books. You won’t be sorry, I promise.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd read the first book in this fun series about a year ago, and I've been wanting to get back to it, so I borrowed the second and newly-released third in Kindle Unlimited.

This book had a lot of intrigue and of course, cute pups to help round it out. I love Missy's passion for her own rescue babies and for all the pups and kitties in the shelter. Her good friend who was also her husband's friend Max is such a sweetheart that I really hope she becomes a little more than friends with him someday when she's ready. Justin and Hayden were so cute together while trying to tell people they weren't really together, lol.

I wasn't completely sure whodunit and was going back and forth with a couple of people, but the showdown was pretty exciting. The little terrier they talked about toward the end of the book seemed like such a sweetheart. I really had hoped book 3 would continue with Missy fostering him, but maybe these are truly meant to be standalone books if you want them to be. I'll just pretend someone nice adopted him, lol.

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missy Kingston loves animals. In fact she helped set up a nonprofit animal shelter. I admire her dedication to the animals. Her plan to have a pooch party is inspired. It allows the children living at the women's shelter to play with the pups during the fundraiser for to help the women. Unfortunately murder puts an end to the festivities. George Watson is dead. Who killed him and why? After all he just made a generous donation to the women's shelter. Missy wants to help find the killer. She's good at following the clues and she's motivated to clear her friend, Max. Her investigation puts her in danger, but that won't stop her. I admired her courage. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson's story kept me on the edge of my seat. This is a fast, paced cozy filled with sweet animals and an unexpected killer. Missy is a great character. She reinvented herself after the death of her husband. I liked how her friends and neighbors support her. I felt the love and caring. I can't wait to see what's next for Missy.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book of a fantastic new series. Missy Kingston, a widow, has donated a good amount of her late husband's life insurance proceeds to start and run a training program for shelter dogs to make their adoption chances greater. However, she seems to frequently find herself in the middle of murder investigations! In this book, Missy finds herself trying to prove the innocence of her longtime friend, Max, and is getting too involved with local politics in the process. I just love this series, full of suspense and drama, a little humor as well, and a lot of dogs (and cats), making this a winner in my mind!

[Angel Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! A cozy nosey sleuth gets an eye opener!
I love cozy mysteries. They are fun, easy to read and I don't need to stress myself out...after all, I'm reading to relax. But in nearly all of them the main character's actions are so over the top that it's impossible to ever see them as realistic at all. Missy, in this story, sometimes makes me want to slap her b/c she is just too unbelievable in what she does and says to people. And no real cop would EVER let her get away with some of things she does and says. Nope...not happening. So to have Missy get a tiny bit of a slap down made me cheer for the protagonist...lol. Sad but true. Loads of twists and turns in this story and I loved it! I was rooting for the "bad guy" this time...lol.

[Renee Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missy is a widow with two dogs and helps run the local animal shelter. She also has a knack of being around recently dead bodies. She can't keep her nose out of an investigation and has some good ideas. They're not always right, but she does eventually find a killer. This cozy mystery has a good plot and I love the main characters. I also love animals, so the whole shelter side of the book grabs me too. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down!

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. The review is my own opinion.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson has done extensive research into the world of dog training and shelters. This series would be an excellent guide if you ever thought about volunteering in the shelters. So much detail, you can almost see yourself there. Missy has the greatest friends and family. So supportive. The mystery was deep in the political world, or was it. Lots of twists, lots of suspects, and definitely a surprise ending. Everyone needs a friend like Max in their life.

[Darlene Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curiosity can kill you!

Missy is known about town to be quite curious. Once again she finds herself at the scene of a murder. She seems obsessed to investigate the murder even though those close to her caution her that it is not safe for her to do so. Her inquiries lead her from one suspect to the next. She doesn’t understand that curiosity can kill you. Even after a near death scare, her curiosity is not tamed.

I love the possibility of a romantic connection between Missy and Max and the rekindling of a romance between her daughter, Hayden, and the police lieutenant, Justin. A little something extra to add to the story is always a nice treat.

I am really enjoying this series. Missy has put some of the insurance money she received when her husband died a couple of years ago to good use. She donated it to a local animal shelter that trains its rescued dogs in order to make them more attractive for adoption and then offers free training for the adopting family to help ensure the dogs have found a forever home. I mentioned in an earlier review of this series that I find it unusual for murder mysteries to have a HEA ending; but the secondary story of dogs getting a HEA is great.

This is a good, clean read. There is no vulgar language, sexual situations, or graphic violence; and yet, the story is intriguing and entertaining. Kudos to Carolyn Ridder Aspenson for a great story.

[Sue Rae Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series of The Pooch Party Mystery and could be a stand alone but if you want to know the characters better then you should read the fist one too.

Missy Kingston a widow with a grown daughter funded the animal shelter for something to do each day. She spends a lot of her time at the shelter with the animals and has adopted two dogs of her own named, Allie and Bandit. While at the latest Pooch Party located at the Women's Shelter, George Watson is found dead! Missy's friend Max is one of the suspects and Missy gets involved in the investigation to clear his name. I loved the twist and turns but Missy had way to many theories which drove me crazy.

All and all it was a good book and great characters!

[Roger]

Hounds, Harvest, and Homicide (Pooch Party #2), my thirteenth highly enjoyable read from author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson and the second in her Pooch party series. After having read Dogs, Dinners, and Death (Pooch Party #3), the third in her Pooch party series I knew I had to get the first two books and read them as well. Well-written & enjoyable, I was only familiar with this author from the Lily Sprayberry Realtor mysteries and Holiday Hills Witch series before these two reads. Another excellent read. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missy is at a function for the local women's shelter when a person ends up dead. When Max is found to be a suspect for the murder, Missy takes it upon herself to investigate what really happened, to try to clear his name.

This is a fun series with all the animals, and the characters are enjoyable to read, but I do think that for someone who is supposedly shy and stand-offish, Missy is very confrontational and seems to have no issue accusing people (wrongly) of murder. I do enjoy reading the series, however, and would love to read more.

[John A. Sillasen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute But More Readers Digest than Cozy Murder Mystery

Granted there is a murder or two, can't let you in on all the secrets without reading the story. Typical of her writing style, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson has this take set in a small town in Georgia. Of course she's friendly with the Sheriff, a common theme in her books,there's always law enforcement close to the protagonist. No paranormal here at all, not really a romance novel either. More a who dunnit murder mystery from a but-in-ski mom.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A contentious politician is murdered during a winter gala. With Missy’s friend on the suspect list, she sets out to find the true villain. This was a very enjoyable read and I was kept guessing until the very end. The plot is rich and multi-layered, the characters are well-developed and believable and the prose moves the story right along. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Jeri L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Well Crafted Tale

Missy has some issues, but also has a good heart. She wants what’s best for the dogs and cats at the local shelter. She also wants what’s best for her daughter. If only she didn’t keep stumbling across murders. This is a great whodunnit that keeps you guessing until the very end.

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missy has gotten into another mystery and it's a doozey. The author has a way of making the characters come to life and I feel like we are really getting to know them in this one. There were times I laughed and times I wanted to reach into the pages and shake Missy. I am really enjoying the animal shelter aspect of this series. It makes me want to run to our shelter and bring them all home.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missy Kingston runs the town’s animal shelter. She has taken her pooch party to the gala fundraiser for the women’s shelter. During the night one of the town’s largest benefactor is killed. Missy worries that her friend Max will be jailed for murder. As Missy jumps from one theory to the next, the murderer goes after Missy.

Nice story with great characters.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missy and her cute puppies attend a Fashion Fundraiser for the local woman's shelter. While she is there a murder takes place , unfortunately her good friend Max is a suspect , Despite the politics, snow storm and shelter pups responsibility's , Missy will do everything she can to get the police to see the light!

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend!

I just LOVE this series! I love the dogs! And Missy can’t help herself, when a body is found and Max needs help, she puts herself in danger again! Along with the mystery, with twists and turns, there’s also a lot about the shelter. Very interesting as well as entertaining. And so well-written! I really believe that if you love cozies and pets, then you’ll love this one for sure!

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a prominent donator is found dead at a charity for a local women's charity, Missy Kingston determines to find his killer.
To the despair of her daughter, Missy just can't seem to keep herself out of trouble.

This is another fun story from Carolyn Ridder Aspenson.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fun book in the series. When a man is killed at a fund raiser when Missy is present, she goes about locating the killer. Max is temporarily a suspect. Can she trust him? I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything...murder, politics ( not too much), and the old evil money plus animals!!! Another great story as only Carolyn can write them. I can't wait for the next one! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great cozy

I love this series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson and I can't wait for the next book. If you're like me and love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series is a must read.

[Irma Espinosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs are our best friends

This book was humorous, exciting, it had dogs and a little bit of romance. The characters were exciting as the author wrote them out to be. The ending is a surprise. Happy reading. Thank you

[Jennifer Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Hounds, Harvest and Homicide. This is a fun, interesting mystery. I really like the characters and enjoy the animal shelter setting is great. I love all the wonderful dogs. The plot is interesting and the mystery has many twists that kept me guessing right until the end.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

Wow! Great book, never figured out who did it until the author revealed it towards the end of the book. Enjoyed every minute of this book I can't wait for more.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Nana Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In sickness and in health.

A terrific read. A wonderful plot of murder, abused women, money and love. Great to see the characters put there own special mark on the story.
It all started at the Fund raiser for the women's shelter with the murder of the man who was the money behind a planned expansion. That is if he could get the motion passed. He had argued with several people but now Max was one of the suspects and she had to clear his name. Money, power, kickbacks, another murder, a bomb and a gun are all interwoven into a terrific read about the mental state of not only the women but also the men affected by abuse. Plus the power plays in local office that happens everywhere. Will she spot the killer before it's too late? Or is it too late already?