Dead Canaries Don't Sing

Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery #1

by Cynthia Baxter

As a veterinarian, she’s more experienced with paw prints than fingerprints. But thanks to her dogged persistence and her knack for landing on her feet, Jessie’s got murder on a very short leash.

The sun is barely up and the day is already going to the dogs. Literally. As Dr. Jessica Popper embarks on a house call to a local horse farm, her one-eyed Dalmatian, Lou, and her tailless Westie, Max, stumble upon something unexpected: a corpse half buried in the woods. As Max happily digs up the dead canary planted near the body, Jessie realizes that this corpse was clearly about to sing. But about what? Or whom?Enlisting the aid of her on-again, off-again lover, PI Nick Burby, Jess applies the stubbornness of a bloodhound and the agile moves of a cat to identify a menagerie of suspects…including one who wants her off the case badly enough to kill again.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Animals, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, New York

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

About the author

(from author's website)

Dear Reader,

Thanks for taking the time to check out my web site! I love the fact that the Internet makes it so easy to "talk" to readers (and to hear from them, too - my email address is below).

My favorite thing to do is read - and my second favorite is to write. Since 2003, I've been writing The Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery Series, which features veterinarian Jessica Popper. The books also include the antics of Jessie's menagerie: her rambunctious Westie, Max; his shy sidekick, Lou the Dalmatian; aging pussycat Catherine the Great; newcomer Tinkerbell, a tiger kitten with the personality of a diva; mouthy Prometheus, a Blue and Gold Macaw with attitude; and last but not least, the silent yet seemingly wise chameleon Leilani. The newest book in the series is CROSSING THE LION.

I also launched a second mystery series, The Murder Packs a Suitcase Mystery Series, which will run concurrently with Reigning Cats & Dogs. The first book, also titled MURDER PACKS A SUITCASE, introduces Mallory Marlowe. Recently widowed at the age of 45, Mallory is still struggling to find her old self when she falls into a new job as a travel writer. In addition to researching exciting destinations, she happens upon the occasional murder - and she can't help getting involved in finding out whodunnit. The first book is set in Orlando, where she goes to discover whether or not the "old Florida," with alligator farms and pink plastic flamingoes and seashell jewelry, still exists despite the proliferation of glitzy theme parks. The second book in the series, TOO RICH AND TOO DEAD, is set in glamorous Aspen, where Mallory is trying to find out if even a non-skier can have a fun vacation.

Working on two different mystery series has been an interesting challenge. I've tried to make the two series different - but at the same time to include the same elements in the new series that readers of the original series seemed to enjoy. That means a likeable heroine, a compelling mystery with some quirky suspects and a few surprises, a touch of romance, and lots of humor. I'm really looking forward to seeing how readers respond to my new character and her adventures!

I always enjoy hearing from readers, so please don't hesitate to write and say hello. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy my books!

Best wishes, Cynthia Baxter

Contact Cynthia: Cynthiab1@optonline.net

Reviews

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Jessie Popper (not Pepper like the drink) loves her job as a mobile veterinarian. She's passionate about helping animals and enjoys being free to move around and take whatever clients she wants. However, some days are harder to get moving, especially before coffee. It was one of THOSE days when Jessie's pups Lou, a one eyed-Dalmatian, and Max, a tailless Westie, discover a dead body in the woods. They also discover a dead canary. Jessie is concerned and calls the police who don't seem to care much about the dead man in the woods. Well, she'll show them! Jessie decides to find out who the man was and what happened. Everyone, from her ex-boyfriend Nick to her policeman friend Jimmy warn her not to get involved. Too late. Jessie uncovers the identity of the dead man, Tomee Frack, a PR agent to the stars from Long Island. Jessie wonders why a man so universally beloved would be killed and buried with a canary, the symbol for singing. What was Tomee up to that go him killed? Meanwhile, Jessie tries to move on from her romance with Nick. He wants to get serious and she doesn't believe in happily-ever-after. Jimmy provides a nice distraction but he isn't interested in discussing the case. When Jessie needs to bounce ideas of someone she has to call Nick, a PI. Being around Nick is never a good idea for her heart!

This mystery is cute and light. It has more language than I'm used to in a cozy mystery and it lacks the small town charm of the average cozy. It makes up for the small town feel with a bunch of adorable (and some cranky) animals and one crazy best friend. The mystery is tight. I didn't guess whodunit but I had an inkling of some of the revelations. I could have done without the passionate off-again, on-again romance. I prefer a slow burn.

I like Jessie well enough but she has her moments of stupidity. She is insanely stubborn and any time someone suggests she does something or not do something, she does the opposite. In this instance, investigating a murder which nearly gets her and her friends killed. I did NOT like the way she treated Nick and Jimmy. She needs to sort out her feelings and stop jerking men along. What she does with Nick is not cool. I enjoyed and can relate to her passion for animals. I absolutely love how sweet and kind she is to all the pets. She treats them more kindly than most human doctors treat their patients. Jessie is a loving "mom" to two dogs, one cat and a parrot. She loves them all equally and always takes the time to play with them or give them attention. Max the Westie is my favorite but I don't think the author knows much about Westies. Terriertude is not present in this novel. Max is affection and loving and allows his mom to hug him all the time. Plus a vet should know terriers have double coats and Westies should be hand stripped, not shaved. I know most people shave but that causes knots.

Jessie's best friend Betty is a real character. She is a former Broadway ensemble cast member, first appearing in South Pacific so that would make her anywhere around late 70s or older. She won't say. Betty lives life to the fullest even while mourning her late husband who died tragically only after two years of marriage. I found Betty a little annoying and weird. She's pushy with Jessie about Jessie's love life, insisting she knows what's best for Jessie. I didn't want anything bad to happen to her though. Jessie needs Betty in her life.

Nick comes across as a jerk at first but once I got to know him, I liked him better. If he sounds rude, he's just trying to protect his heart and keep Jessie from getting hurt. However, if they were almost engaged, he should know her well enough to know not to tell her not to investigate. I could tell he still cares about her but is trying hard to get over the romantic feelings he still has for her. His choice of date is less than appealing but I think he was going for the anti-Jessie.

Officer Jimmy Nolan is nice to Jessie and he's attracted to her. I think he's moving too fast and doesn't know her very well. He may be nice but he's awfully dull. He's not an animal lover/pet person! Jessie didn't treat him well. She used him to get information but Jimmy isn't very forthcoming. To him, policework is just a job. Gee I'd feel really safe knowing my local police didn't have a calling for the job and were only doing a bare minimum of work! He shouldn't talk about the case with Jessie for legal and ethical reasons not because he's a brainless moron who can't think about anything except Jessie's looks when he's off duty.

The police aren't very bright or helpful. Officer Pascucci is mean and Lieutenant Harned is a misogynist and rude. None of them care about how Jessie is feeling after her dogs uncover a dead body. They don't seem to be conducting a thorough investigation although I have my theories about that. Jessie is an annoying pain in the behind calling all the time asking if there are any new developments. No one is going to tell her! She's a civilian! I do give the Norfolk County police some credit there.

The chief suspect is Merilee, Tommy's ex-wife. She's scary obsessed with him in a pathetic way. She is one sad woman. The next best suspect would be Barbara, Tommee's fiancé. She's a gold digger if I ever saw one. There are numerous other suspects from Tommee's business including George Babcock who gave Tommee his start. George seems to be hiding a lot from Jessie. His office is shabby, his secretary doesn't have anything to do and yet he claims they're in the middle of a move and he's very busy. Weird. He has a great motive for murder but did he do it? Those are Jessie's top three suspects but there are so many other people to interview! She comes up with a clever ruse but people can't possible be that dumb.

I enjoyed this book enough to read the second but maybe not the whole series.

Content:
Scantily clad elderly woman
visits to an adult entertainment venue
language
closed door love scene (just a mention)

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Cynthia Baxter "Reigning Cats and Dogs Mystery Series." It got me kinda hooked on them! The book feature Dr. Jessica Popper, DVM and her canine sidekicks Max, a tailess Westie and Lou, a one-eyed dalmation, on her travels throughout Long Island in her moblie veterinary clinic. On her way to a visit with a sick horse, Popper and her dogs discover the dead body of a local PR big-wig that no one was particularly fond of. Max digs up a canary next to the body which gets Jessica wondering what he was about to sing. She enlists the help of her off-again boyfriend Nick Burby (off-again because she rejected his romantic Maui marriage proposal) to help her investigate the crime and inevitably gets herself in over her head as the killer gets closer to her.

Some of the characters are annoying and the outcome a bit predictable, but it was an entertaining, light read. I liked it enough to continue reading the series.

Very much in the same genre as the Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie Brown "Mrs. Murphy" series, but those are much better!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dead Canaries Don't Sing was a library read which came upon me quite by accident. I was tooling around my town's teeny tiny library and, forlorn that I couldn't find any Christopher Moore (at all!), happened to settle on the paperback mysteries. Blame my softness for animals and the fact that I used to want to be a vet, and voila!


The writing of the book did not necessarily impress me, but the story was enjoyable enough (even if I did predict the ending sooner than I thought I would - hey, I was proud of my sleuthing abilities!), and the characters proved to be pretty endearing. It was a nice change from what I normally read: something a little fluffy, mostly fun, quick and verbally uncomplicated.


I'd recommend it if you like mystery novels, animals, 30-somethings engaged in sort of teen/angsty romance, and crazy strippers with snakes. Parenthetical note: the stripper does not do much with the snake -- but a phrase like that was just too fun to pass up.

[Shada · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the book, but it was nothing special.

However, something that REALLY bothered me is that Baxter was writing about a veterinarian so you'd think she would know at least the basics about animals that she was trying to write about.
The main character Jess has a Blue and Gold Macaw who, at least twice in the story, stands on her finger. Anyone who knows anything about birds knows that Blue and Golds are rather large birds and there is no way it could stand on one finger.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that deals with Dr. Jessica Popper, a DVM who solves mysteries when it deals with a client. This one starts the series rolling. A good read with twist and turns.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

It makes me crave English muffins, which, of course, I can't find here in Denmark.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessie, a rural vet (somewhere close-ish to the city?), stumbles upon a dead body with her two dogs. And a dead canary. Instead of being rattled about it, she decides to investigate the man: who he is, what exactly "PR" means, and who would want to kill him. There is exactly zero actual detective work done regarding evidence, and it's all based on he said, she said. But Jessie goes around chasing clues 16 hours after she decides she needs a break from "investigating". She blatantly ignores warnings about dangers of a murderer (hello, if they killed once, they'll be fine killing again. Girl, get your head on straight and actually tell people where you're going and when people threaten you), and the killer is apparent looooooong before she figures it out. But I guess it's a fun read.

Her interactions with animals are what I'd imagine a vet's would be, and she's proud to be independent like Nancy Drew. She just needs to take her head out of the clouds a bit. And stop jumping to conclusions 50 billion times. Also maybe stop using her real name? And I still haven't figured out how she can run a business if she had as much time to investigate on her hands as she appears to have.

Overall I actually enjoyed reading the book and I kept wanting to see what happens next. Looking back, Jessie is a bit ridiculous playing Nancy Drew in her spare time--I had a hard time taking her seriously. I'm not sure I'd read the book again, but I'll read the next on in the series for sure.

[Jeanette C. Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a typical first novel in a series. The author is building her world and characters so some of the actions and reactions seem a bit out of character.
Jessie Popper runs a mobile veterinary clinic. She owns a one-eyed Dalmatian and an tailless Westie. She also requires copious amounts of coffee to get going in the morning. While running late for an early morning appointment she takes a short cut across country and gets stuck. Letting the dogs out while she accesses the problem, her dogs discover a dead body buried not far off the road. Jessie feels the police are not investigating properly so enlists her ex-boyfriend, PI Nick Burby to help her find out who killed this man.
I found some of Jessie's actions a bit too ridiculous for an intelligent woman. Also the interaction between her and Nick was confusing. Overall though, it was an enjoyable enough read on a hot, sunny day that I'll look for the next one in the series.

[Rachel N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up
Jessica Popper is a veterinarian with a mobile service on Long Island. On her way to see a client her car becomes stuck and her two dogs find a dead body with a dead canary buried nearby. The body turns out to be that of a bigwig PR person on the island. For no real reason Jessica becomes obsessed with finding the murderer even though several people warn her how dangerous this is. I was annoyed by Jessica constantly running to her ex-boyfriend for help and all her doubts about whether or not she should be with him. The book barely touches on her vet work which I found to be disappointing. I also guessed the murderer very early on which made the book much less suspenseful. i don't think I'll read any more in this series.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5* This was a fast, enjoyable read. I was on my toes for the whole book. I loved the idea of Jessica owning a mobile vet service. I also liked the idea of her actually getting a PR guy and an accountant even though both ideas were just so she could hunt for info on spspects. I liked Jimmy, but distrusted him too. I kept wondering if he was bad since he was so nice. I did not even pick up on the bird repeating Jimmy's favorite phrase! I'm not sure how I feel about Nick, their relationship was too contentious for the majority of this book for me to decide. I should not have been surprised that the lead detective was in on the kickback scheme, but I was. I am definitely interested in reading more in this series.

[Jennilynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so Dr Popper may be a bit naive in this lighthearted mystery, but I think the plot, story, and characters were well written and not overly described. I’m an avid true crime reader and decided to give this a try to mix it up a little and I’m excited to finish the Reigning Cats and Dogs series. It was cute, well written and a page turner for me, unlike Dr. Popper, I had the mystery figured out 3/4 of the way through... but I kept on reading as I really enjoyed it, and wanted to make sure my suspicions were accurate. This book was a nice change in scenery for me.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has an engaging heroine in Dr. Jessica Popper, a veterinarian who cares as much about her friends as her animals. When she discovers a dead body with a lifeless canary nearby, she gets on the case. Tommee Frack, a public relations expert, had his share of enemies. It’s tough to sort through all the suspects until Jess starts getting warnings. Then she knows she’s on the right track. Can she catch the culprit before he gets to her first? An intriguing plot, likeable characters and an interesting career for the sleuth make this cozy mystery a charmer.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the implausible reason for Dr. Popper deciding to investigate the dead body she stumbled on this was a pretty good read. I was worried something would happen to Cat -- relieved she's fine. I liked how Baxter portrayed the animals in the story and how Popper cared for them. Good mystery with some fun twists.

[Kimberly Stover-Tessitore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay mystery but I thought the main character was a little too dumb at times. I know an amateur detective has to overlook some danger signs/clues in order to advance the plot but this was a little much.

[Brian Kirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, it was entertaining but very predictable. I guessed the killer pretty much right away. I am not sure if the other books in the series are like this but I will give the second book a chance.

[Ewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like animals and many comments of main character, but I didn't like that bird was killed and in some moments story was really slow.

[Helen Geng]

Read Dec 2020

[Jennifer Daun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun mystery with lovable characters….looking forward to more adventures with Jesse, the Long Island veterinarian sleuth!

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, the chief character (heroine?) was unlikable.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather slow going. Animal lovers would enjoy this.

[Petie Rein · Rating 2 out of 5]

First in a series that is new to me. Didn't like it enough to continue the series.

[Helen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrific, no research done. Have begged my mum never to buy me a book from this author again

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A typical mystery where someone sticks their nose in where it does not belong. I had the suspect picked out halfway through.

[Barbara Cryer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely easy cozy mystery to solve. But very flimsy reason for Jess to be involved.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first book by a new to me author! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Papalodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This vet can bite too.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery is a lot of fun and interesting. I really enjoyed the FMC and the MMC. I did guess the ending, but that did not diminish my enjoyment of the book.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I had wanted to read book # 2 in this series, but by the end of the book my liking it had dropped from a low 5 to a low 3. The book was really cute. I looked forward to reading it. pretty good simple mystery.I really laughed at some of the antics in it.It was nice for me to figure out the perpetrator in advance which I usually cannot. This might be a downfall to some though. things I did not like were I could not figure out why the murderer actually was concerned about the protagonist in that manner. She had never really gotten anywhere with her pursuing what happened.Of course this was a really light cozy so some of this is to be expected. I liked some of the ending , but it just seemed a little strange that the heroine was warned about going with the killer at the end and she acted so dimwitted and just did it after so many things had been done as warnings. This is just my opinion, but I also get frustrated by new cozies vs. say Agatha Christie since they have to throw some things in the mix in some sexual manner that I do not care for. I know with most this may not be a problem, but making out with a guy and sleeping with another within a few days is just not my cup of tea. this is something I find in all the newer cozies. I did appreciate no offensive language in this one though. I did not even really get bothered by the stripper pole dancing parts our main character had to visit to get info. from since any investigator might have this happen. I recieved 4 book from the library inter loan and if I have time before having ot get them returned with all else I am reading I may try another. This book had a chapter preview for #2 of this series and maybe it was just my annoyance with the factors mentioned , that when reading chapter 1 of the Dog book next in line I though it was hokey so I may or may not try it or one of the other 2 I checked out.

[Julie H. Ernstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got the whole series for Christmas and will work my way through them before the semester resumes (thanks, Melanie!). The concept for the series as a whole is that of full-time veterinarian and part-time sleuth Jessica Popper and her dogs Lou and Max who happen upon crimes in the course of their work. Popper works out of a mobile veterinary van whose sign reads "Reigning Cats and Dogs," so the series will likely take her all over Long Island--for lots of variety. This first entry in the series is set on the north fork of Long Island, and unfolds as Dr. Popper is making a call to assist with a sick horse. The murder victim is a PR maveric, and we quickly learn that he is disliked by many.

The books (am into the second one now) are very much in the Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown vein, and Jessie is an immediately sympathetic character as you quickly learn that her two canine companions--a one-eyed Dalmatian and an only-partially tailed Westie--are rescue animals. The stories are solid, although you will likely solve them ahead of the protagonist, but quite enjoyable nonetheless. And they are full of lots of useful animal behavior and health insights. Onward to finishing book two, Putting on the Dog!

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessica Popper, D.M.V. has a 26 foot mobile Veterinary clinic that allows her to travel all over Long Island treating animals. She lives in a stone cottage with her personal pets: a blue and gold macaw, an older arthritic cat, a tailless white Westie terrier and a one-eyed Dalmatian. Her boyfriend, Nick is a private investigator who would like to get married but Jessica isn’t ready to give up her independence yet. Besides caring for animals, Jessie has a penchant for getting involved with homicide cases. In this story, while she is out on a visit to a horse farm her dogs discover a corpse… and Jessica finds a dead canary right near the body. Of course Jessie immediately is interested…. Especially when she thinks the police are concentrating on the wrong suspect. --- I was delighted to find a another author who could write interesting, challenging, intelligent cozy mysteries…. I just hate the “cutsie” titles these books have. I quickly read the next couple of books in the series