Poodle Versus The Rustler

Cottage Country #9

by Anne Shillolo

Can you picture newspaper publisher Zora Flynn, and Rocco, her pampered prince of a poodle, in a barnyard? “Great merciful poodles! Let’s go home to the penthouse!” sums up Rocco’s opinion.
It might be a media circus, but the animals aren’t talking. And looking for evidence is like finding a needle in a haystack. The staff of the Williamsport Whistle are on the hunt for a rustler, but the agricultural crimes are overtaken by a murder. They need to find the culprit before there’s a harvest of new victims.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2021

About the author

I love writing every day and the result so far is three mystery series, and counting. I’ve been retired from teaching for a couple of years, and am totally immersed in my new career as a mystery writer. I hope you enjoy the results!
The Murder In Season trilogy features injured detective constable Claire Beckett.
The longer Poodle Versus… series is a reader favorite. It features small-town action, zany characters, and a Nasty Small Poodle who will capture your heart.
This year I plan to release several books following DC Holly Towns, starting with Goodbye Port Alma.
The Free Prequels to all my series are available on my website, AnneShillolo.com.
You can find me on Facebook as Anne Shillolo Writer.
Happy reading!

Reviews

[Dawn Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Shillolo is one heck of a storyteller. I've read many of her books, and her wittiness is great. That poodle of hers is a story-stealer.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rodeo is in town and trouble is brewing. Before the rodeo can hold their first performance, animal rustlers steal the animals and leave barnyard animals in their stead. The Williamsport Whistle staff is on the case to hunt for the rustlers, but the agricultural crimes are overtaken by a murder. While this is going on, Zora and Darius are planning their wedding. The rest of the Bell family come to town to join the festivities and visit the animals at the rodeo. While there, they stumble upon rodeo members who were attacked by the murderer. As they try to capture the murder, the Bell family intercede and save the day.

Unfortunately, a storm damages some of the decorations that were set up at the cottage and the roads are blocked by trees. Will the wedding take place? Will the guest be able to attend?

Rocco continues to be a hoot and has a guest staying with them. Will they identify the murderer before someone else gets killed? Join Zora and the gang as they solve this mystery.

The story is full of humor with a touch of romance. The mystery pulls you in and keeps you guessing. The setting of the town seems like an enjoyable place. The camaraderie and the love for each other is outstanding. I look forward to the next book in the series. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series, you are missing out.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Alice Hazelbaker]

Zora, publisher of the Williamsport Whistle, has her hands full in this one, another fun book by Anne Shillolo! Zora’s wedding is in 2 weeks, as things heat up when the Rodeo comes to town. Protesters are picketing the rodeo for inhuman treatment of the animals and Zora’s fiancé Darius, hired to be the Vet on call for the rodeo, has an argument with the manager who refuses to allow him to examine the horses ahead of time. Next thing you know, the manager is dead and Darius is arrested as the murderer. So the investigative team at the Whistle are on the job to prove his innocence. Like all of the Poodle books, Rocco is on hand to provide his assistance, while the police chief remains convinced he is right in arresting Darius. I really enjoy these books, Zara and her crew have such great relationships with each other, and the involvement of the animals is always a plus! I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zora is getting married to Darius. Her BFF has taken care of all the arrangements. The ceremony will be perfect. Unfortunately, life never goes as planned. Darius has problems at work and end up dog sitting. Rocco isn't amused with the "Sizzler". Also, the Rodeo is in town and brings a murderer along. Williamsport adds rustlers and protesters. What else can happen? Marley's boyfriend is charged with the murder of Spurs McGavin. Who killed him? He had plenty of enemies. I was worried that Zora and Darius Bell wouldn't walk down the aisle. Poodle Versus The Rustler is a wild ride filled with so many twists that I was dizzy. I feel as if I'm part of Williamsport and personally know the characters. Zora has a nose for murder. Rocco may be a small nasty poodle but he's there for her. Now Darius is on hand to work with the gang at the Williamsport Whistle. Olivia and Brady are the best. Evil Doers beware. Zora is ready to bring you to justice. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Charlotte Baddeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable book, as are all Anne Shillolo’s books in the poodle versus series. Shillolo manages to combine gruesome murder with humour, great characters, always cute animals, even the pig. We also get great descriptions of people and scenery and romance thrown in. In this book the romance between Zora and Darius is culminating in their marriage. And what a wedding it is going to be. This does not put Zora and her trusty and very likeable band of reporters investigating the murder at a visiting rodeo ably assisted by Rocco and feisty visitor Winona. Various characters from the previous books in the series make an appearance. Will Zora get her man? And I don’t just mean the murderer as it is not a smooth path to her big day.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH WOW I laughed I cried I couldn't put this cozey down until I'd read every last word. Anne Shillolo is a very talented writer that gives you charming and beautiful inspiring stories of mystery mayhem and murder. Mischeief is in the air,but you would never guess who is behind the shenanigans I know I was quite surprised and you will be too. The wedding is approaching but a mystery and murder needs to be solved and the weather may change the big day, it's so exciting waiting with the anticipation of will it happen again one never knows with this duo all hands are on deck. Acquire 'Poodle versus Rustlers "to find out and be entertained through out. I know you want,so why are you waiting grab it now so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. 🙂😃💐😲🤔😖🤔🙂😏Kat

[Agna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just two weeks before her wedding day, Zora and her reporters attend the opening of a local rodeo, which attracts a lot of protesters. Inside the barn, the rodeo horses are missing and have been replaced by different farm animals; and the manager is found murdered in one of the stables. The staff of The Williamsport Whistle starts investigating…
This 9th book in the Cottage Country Cozy Mysteries does not disappoint. It's a really entertaining story - sometimes even hilarious - with lots of suspects and plot twists… and a wedding !
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Cornel Diaconu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many happenings in here - on the occasion of the rodeo days in their town, Zora's crew are faced with rustling the horses of the rodeo staff, replacing them with various barnyard "beasts"; alongside, the person responsible for the rodeo was found killed with a pitchfork.
Of course Zora and her team are looking into anything to find the killer.
All while her wedding day is ver close.
Will they ... ?
Of course :-))
Despite even a serious storm, that partly dage their set at the cottage, the wedding did take place, at the end of the book.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

Zora’s wedding day is approaching but all is not blissful. She and Rocco must battle rustlers as they welcome the rodeo for two weeks Not all goes peaceful as anti-rodeo protestors are in attendance and she must clear her best friend’s boyfriend is accused of murder. Throw in getting to know her fiancée brothers as they spend time together.

It is another charming Zora and Rocco’s adventure.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zora, Olivia & Brady are at the Fairgrounds, where they are being introduced to the Rodeo Show that’s arrived in town. But, there are a lot of protesters & when the stalls are opened, no horses but various farm animals come pit & panic! Then there is a dead body found in another stall. Naturally the police arrest the wrong man!! But, there is an important event coming up the marriage of Zora & Darius. This was a very enjoyable read, mayhem & chaos, but you’d expect that, wouldn’t you?

[Wanda Siesicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Zora solve a murder at the rodeo. Survive a severe thunderstorm that destroys not only roads to get to the cottage but all their wedding decorations. Will Zora and Darius have to cancel their wedding? Read the book to find out. It's a sweet, clean cozy mystery that teens to elderly will enjoy. Check out Anne Shillolo's other poodle versus books and enjoy the other mysteries in the series.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ARC Book -Zora Flynn and her poodle Rocco, while planning her wedding, being the publisher and owner of the Whistleport Whistler was covering a rodeo that came to town. Before it opened a murder was discovered in one of the horse stalls. Her friends boyfriend was accused of the murder and Zors and her reporters are investigating . Things happen but there is an exciting ending!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* rounded up

As Zora's wedding to Darius nears, mayhem, murder, and pranks all work together to keep Zora occupied so she won't be so nervous. Loveable characters abound in this series and Rocco and his new friend are both helpful and amusing. Light read told with a sense of humor and with many twists and turns make for a fun read.

Received ARC and this is my honest review.

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poodle Versus The Rustler

Another adventure for Zora, her reporters and her poodle Rocco. A rodeo, a murder and a wedding are the highlights in this book 9. Humorous events that are videos of Zora in her adventures had a touch of down home laughter as well. The reader will long remember this book after reading the last page.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Anne Shillolo's Books.
And this one is no acception.
I am not sure how to word this, as I love all of her writing, but the Poodle Versus..... are a little lighter in the way Anne writes them. Her crimes are just as intense as her other books, but a little more humor thrown in.

Please continue this series Anne.

Love them.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing Delight

This series of stories is absolutely a continuing delight to read and enjoy. I highly recommend them all. There not too long, tell a complete and detailed story, and provide mystery and humor in every chapter. They're awesome!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful ❣️ Binge-worthy❣️You are hooked as soon as you start reading...
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please🐿️ More and more difficult to put down . . .

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Zora and Darrius are a wonderful couple as are the two reporters, Olivia and Brady. Nice setting with several twists and turns to keep you guessing.