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Dogs & Donuts #3
Icing and an Incident
A donut or two and an important clue. Nothing spoils a romantic evening with the hottest detective in town like stumbling upon a body. Oh. My. Bad. Luck. But, hey, I’m Ellie Hart and lately murder follows me everywhere. Seeing the body was more than enough mayhem for me, but unfortunately, the prime suspect threatens to blackmail me into helping clear her name. Now I have no choice but to find a missing clue. With the clock ticking and questions piling up, it looks like I might not get to collar the criminal. But my luck might not be over. Marley, my ever-faithful black Lab, is always at the ready to lend a sleuthing paw. We have to sniff out the murderer before the sneaky killer slips the muzzle and lives happily ever after. Or kills again.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2021
21 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 19, 2021
This enjoyable, well-written series keeps getting better and better. The protagonist is a dog walker, and I love the variety of adorable pets I get to meet in the stories. I also like the main characters—namely the three sisters, Minnie, and her grandson, Harry. The baked goods are always mouthwatering. In this book, a cute Yorkie is spotlighted and it’s owner, Viola, is a romance novelist. Troubles with her employees turn into a murder investigation.
The story moves along at a steady clip, and the murder is perplexing. I found the different clues the author used were original, and that’s always a plus for me! Don’t miss this exciting cozy series! I highly recommend it.
The story moves along at a steady clip, and the murder is perplexing. I found the different clues the author used were original, and that’s always a plus for me! Don’t miss this exciting cozy series! I highly recommend it.
October 27, 2021
This is another great mystery in this series! Elle is just fantastic and once again investigated a murder alongside the rest of her gang. I mean who has the most to gain from shooting someone at a party?? Secrets to be found out, suspects to be questioned, it’s a fantastic lighthearted cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.
did-not-finish
June 10, 2025Icing and an Incident is the third book in the Dogs and Donut series by Emmie Lyn. The series centers on Emmie who recently took a job as a dog walker for and companion to Mimi, the owner of a local inn. Emmie also happens to come across dead or nearly dead people while working.
I have outlined my concerns with the series in my reviews of the first two books. Ellie is often over-dramatic and childish. However, I wanted to give the series another chance because it seemed to be heading in the right direction. Icing and an Incident starts out very promising. The story is engaging, and it promised to be an interesting whodunit with solid suspects. Ellie and love interest police detective Harry seem to be in a good place. However, things turned south for me when Ellie makes a horrible decision. Just after a murder occurs on the inn grounds, Ellie invites into her apartment a mysterious woman who is hiding in her garage. She then chooses to deliberately conceal this person from Harry, not even mentioning the fact that a potential killer is in her bathroom when he comes to her door. It’s one thing for Ellie to go against Harry’s wishes by doing her own investigation because that’s what happens in cozies. But it’s absolutely outrageous for her to hide the fact that a potential new witness or even suspect is IN HER apartment. It just put me over the edge. If I were Harry, I’d arrest her for obstruction of justice and move on. This poor guy just keeps pursuing her, and she’s so hot and cold.
Narration: The story is shared via first person POV of Ellie. Richardson uses a strong feminine voice for Ellie, which suits the character and storytelling. The narrator alters dialog to give each characters a unique voice, based on age and gender. Richardson amplifies the reactions of the characters, which can make them come across “over the top” at times.
So at 32%, I DNF’d Icing and an Incident, and I have no plans to continue the series.
My Ratings: Story: DNF
Narration: B
Review copy provided by publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
I have outlined my concerns with the series in my reviews of the first two books. Ellie is often over-dramatic and childish. However, I wanted to give the series another chance because it seemed to be heading in the right direction. Icing and an Incident starts out very promising. The story is engaging, and it promised to be an interesting whodunit with solid suspects. Ellie and love interest police detective Harry seem to be in a good place. However, things turned south for me when Ellie makes a horrible decision. Just after a murder occurs on the inn grounds, Ellie invites into her apartment a mysterious woman who is hiding in her garage. She then chooses to deliberately conceal this person from Harry, not even mentioning the fact that a potential killer is in her bathroom when he comes to her door. It’s one thing for Ellie to go against Harry’s wishes by doing her own investigation because that’s what happens in cozies. But it’s absolutely outrageous for her to hide the fact that a potential new witness or even suspect is IN HER apartment. It just put me over the edge. If I were Harry, I’d arrest her for obstruction of justice and move on. This poor guy just keeps pursuing her, and she’s so hot and cold.
Narration: The story is shared via first person POV of Ellie. Richardson uses a strong feminine voice for Ellie, which suits the character and storytelling. The narrator alters dialog to give each characters a unique voice, based on age and gender. Richardson amplifies the reactions of the characters, which can make them come across “over the top” at times.
So at 32%, I DNF’d Icing and an Incident, and I have no plans to continue the series.
My Ratings: Story: DNF
Narration: B
Review copy provided by publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
November 26, 2021
Minnie is finally opening the Red Apple Inn to swanky events like the one she's holding for bestselling romance author Viola Swan. Abby is catering and Ellie is in charge of Viola's little Yorkie Pixie Rose. She's also Harry's date for the evening. Tensions are running high in the author's circle but when editor Natalie Malone tasks Ellie with passing on a message for ghostwriter Leland Gray to meet her at the gazebo, Ellie never dreamed Natalie would end up murdered. Poor Minnie! Her gazebo becomes the scene of a crime and everyone in attendance a suspect. Holed up at the inn, Ellie sneaks back to her apartment to grab some overnight gear for her and Marley, discovering a mysterious stranger lurking in the garage. Piper Waterman claims to be a freelance journalist trying to make a name for herself. Ellie's instincts tell her Piper is innocent until the younger woman starts trying to blackmail Ellie for withholding information from Harry. Is the young woman as innocent as she seems? Should Ellie turn Piper over to Harry and face his wrath? If she does, any hopes of a relationship with him will likely be as dead as Natalie and for some reason, that makes Ellie very sad.
This series gets better and better. The plot was complicated enough that I couldn't guess who or why. I especially liked the character development and the romantic subplot. Unfortunately, the pups don't have much to do in this story except comfort a grieving woman but they're adorable as always.
Ellie is finally showing some real character growth. She is still a rebel at heart but this time she knows the right thing to do. She's finally tired of fighting with Harry and realizes her true feelings. She also comes to a better understanding of his intensions with some sudden insight she should have figured out ages ago. Harry's Nana and Ellie's sisters don't have time to do much meddling in her love life as they're all busy investigating. It's Minnie who is the real instigator of everything that happens! She loves secrecy and is a really good liar! Who knew? Harry believes his Nana is a sweet little old lady but she hides her vivacity and clever mind behind the old lady façade. Carrie loses her cool for once and it was fun seeing her come up with a harebrained scheme and NOT bailing her sister out of trouble for a change. Harry has come a long way in just three books. He's stopped teasing Ellie and making his real intentions known. I like him much more now. He's a sweet guy and I appreciated how mature Ellie became in dealing with him and his response to her.
The writer and her circle are not a pleasant bunch of people. Viola is a diva who has let her success go to her head. She cares about herself and her dog and that's about it. She's interested in being chummy with her co-writer (ghostwriter) Leland but doesn't spend much time with her husband, Gus. Gus spends the entire party drinking. Viola is horrid to her longtime editor and even her own niece. Natalie is the type who has nerves. She seems tightly wound and on edge. Apparently she's distracted by personal matters as well and she wanted to see Leland about something. According to her mother's description, Natalie was one of those disenchanted, glass half-empty types who was never happy. I feel sorry for her a bit. She didn't deserve to be murdered. I was so hoping it was Gus who was killed.
There's plenty of suspects with all the drama. Gus is a little creepy and acts very suspicious. He seems to want to fish for answers and targets Ellie as his source. Leland acts like a silly prima donna and is a lot closer to Viola than Gus seems to be. What did Natalie want to tell him? Viola's niece, Serena, is angry at her aunt for a)not wanting to do a signing at a little independent bookshop Serena owns in town and b)not hiring Serena as editor. Well that would be nepotism wouldn't it and would Serena be able to be objective and do a better job? Did she kill Natalie over a job? Piper Waterman is also suspicious. She's clever and smart enough to manipulate Ellie. What does she know and what did she have to do with the murder? Piper is very suspicious! A dark horse would be Vera, Natalie's mother. I can't see a mother murdering her own child but this child seemed to have cut ties with her mother long ago and was disdainful of her mother's less wealthy life. Could be they argued over something and Vera accidentally killed Natalie. There's a big problem in figuring out whodunit- Marley seems to like both Gus and Vera! Vera is a dog lover and longs for one of her own. I'm sure she's not a killer!
I enjoyed this quick read and the recipes at the end. I was disappointed to see Bear Claws have almond paste and lemon zest. They sounded SO good in the novel but I would not like them in real life. I was also disappointed not to have the recipe for that chocolate raspberry torte! Now THAT sounded incredible!
This series gets better and better. The plot was complicated enough that I couldn't guess who or why. I especially liked the character development and the romantic subplot. Unfortunately, the pups don't have much to do in this story except comfort a grieving woman but they're adorable as always.
Ellie is finally showing some real character growth. She is still a rebel at heart but this time she knows the right thing to do. She's finally tired of fighting with Harry and realizes her true feelings. She also comes to a better understanding of his intensions with some sudden insight she should have figured out ages ago. Harry's Nana and Ellie's sisters don't have time to do much meddling in her love life as they're all busy investigating. It's Minnie who is the real instigator of everything that happens! She loves secrecy and is a really good liar! Who knew? Harry believes his Nana is a sweet little old lady but she hides her vivacity and clever mind behind the old lady façade. Carrie loses her cool for once and it was fun seeing her come up with a harebrained scheme and NOT bailing her sister out of trouble for a change. Harry has come a long way in just three books. He's stopped teasing Ellie and making his real intentions known. I like him much more now. He's a sweet guy and I appreciated how mature Ellie became in dealing with him and his response to her.
The writer and her circle are not a pleasant bunch of people. Viola is a diva who has let her success go to her head. She cares about herself and her dog and that's about it. She's interested in being chummy with her co-writer (ghostwriter) Leland but doesn't spend much time with her husband, Gus. Gus spends the entire party drinking. Viola is horrid to her longtime editor and even her own niece. Natalie is the type who has nerves. She seems tightly wound and on edge. Apparently she's distracted by personal matters as well and she wanted to see Leland about something. According to her mother's description, Natalie was one of those disenchanted, glass half-empty types who was never happy. I feel sorry for her a bit. She didn't deserve to be murdered. I was so hoping it was Gus who was killed.
There's plenty of suspects with all the drama. Gus is a little creepy and acts very suspicious. He seems to want to fish for answers and targets Ellie as his source. Leland acts like a silly prima donna and is a lot closer to Viola than Gus seems to be. What did Natalie want to tell him? Viola's niece, Serena, is angry at her aunt for a)not wanting to do a signing at a little independent bookshop Serena owns in town and b)not hiring Serena as editor. Well that would be nepotism wouldn't it and would Serena be able to be objective and do a better job? Did she kill Natalie over a job? Piper Waterman is also suspicious. She's clever and smart enough to manipulate Ellie. What does she know and what did she have to do with the murder? Piper is very suspicious! A dark horse would be Vera, Natalie's mother. I can't see a mother murdering her own child but this child seemed to have cut ties with her mother long ago and was disdainful of her mother's less wealthy life. Could be they argued over something and Vera accidentally killed Natalie. There's a big problem in figuring out whodunit- Marley seems to like both Gus and Vera! Vera is a dog lover and longs for one of her own. I'm sure she's not a killer!
I enjoyed this quick read and the recipes at the end. I was disappointed to see Bear Claws have almond paste and lemon zest. They sounded SO good in the novel but I would not like them in real life. I was also disappointed not to have the recipe for that chocolate raspberry torte! Now THAT sounded incredible!
November 6, 2021
Another terrific romance/mystery by Emmie Lyn, this third book in the Dogs and Donuts series is as charming as a murder mystery can get! With Blueberry Bay and Miss Minnie West’s Red Apple Inn as the setting for a huge celebration of romance writer Viola Swan, what could wrong?
Ellie Hart, Dog Walker and amateur sleuth, is with Minnie’s grandson, Harry West, when shots are heard over fireworks and a body is discovered. Later, Ellie is approached by a mysterious young woman with a bag full of cash and a partial birth certificate. Detective Harry tries to keep up with the increasing number of clues and Ellie’s discoveries, along with the constant shenanigans of some energetic pooches.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest voluntary review. The mystery was very well conceived and not easily solved. The fact that the book comes with a donut recipe is a delicious bonus! This is another wonderfully successful story by Emmie Lyn.
Ellie Hart, Dog Walker and amateur sleuth, is with Minnie’s grandson, Harry West, when shots are heard over fireworks and a body is discovered. Later, Ellie is approached by a mysterious young woman with a bag full of cash and a partial birth certificate. Detective Harry tries to keep up with the increasing number of clues and Ellie’s discoveries, along with the constant shenanigans of some energetic pooches.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest voluntary review. The mystery was very well conceived and not easily solved. The fact that the book comes with a donut recipe is a delicious bonus! This is another wonderfully successful story by Emmie Lyn.
October 22, 2021
This book could easily be read on its own without having read either of the previous books, but why would you want to deprive yourself of the fun? Ellie, Marley, Sprinkles, and the gang are once again caught up in the investigation of a suspicious death. I’m not even going to try to suggest that Ellie’s learning her lesson and trying to stay out of Detective Harry’s way. Nope. She’s right in the thick of it, but she just might be getting answers that Harry wouldn’t be getting on his own. I had a hunch who would turn out to be the villain, and I was right. I didn’t figure out any of the reasons that character did the deed, though. I loved the ending and all the possibilities it opens up for future books. Now I can’t wait to read what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
September 16, 2021
Ellie Hart is looking forward to a romantic evening but it's disturbed by a gunshot then she and "her" detective find a body. There are suspects galore and secrets to discover. Ellie soon dives into the investigation. Can she find the killer?
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. This well-written book has wonderful characters and it's a quick, lighthearted read. I was drawn into this engaging story from the beginning and kept hooked throughout while the mystery kept me on my toes. I'm very eager for the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. This well-written book has wonderful characters and it's a quick, lighthearted read. I was drawn into this engaging story from the beginning and kept hooked throughout while the mystery kept me on my toes. I'm very eager for the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
December 24, 2021
I’m not sure if this is the last in this little series, but if it is, it ended on a sweet note, even though I wouldn’t mind reading more about Ellie, Harry, her sisters and Harry’s grandma Minnie. And of course, I loved sweet goofy Marley and Minnie’s little dog Sprinkles.
It was a good mystery with lots of red herrings, but when the showdown came, it didn’t really surprise me whodunit. I loved meeting Natalie’s mom and being there when she finally got a sweet dog like her daughter suggested before she was killed. Harry and Ellie got to end the book in a very good place in their relationship.
It was a good mystery with lots of red herrings, but when the showdown came, it didn’t really surprise me whodunit. I loved meeting Natalie’s mom and being there when she finally got a sweet dog like her daughter suggested before she was killed. Harry and Ellie got to end the book in a very good place in their relationship.
January 16, 2022
Another entertaining read in the Dogs & Donuts series. Ellie, Carrie, Abby, Minnie, and Harry are back trying to solve a murder. Of course, Marley and Sprinkles are there to lend a helping paw. There were several suspects and some twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. I had the culprit figured out because they kept mentioning one thing so often. It didn't detract from my enjoyment. I'm glad Ellie and Harry finally admitted their feelings for one another. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 15, 2021
Icing and an Incident is the best book in the series so far. I really enjoy Ellie, Marley and the extended circle of friends. This is small town cozy mystery at its best. A big plus is that I never figure out who did it! These plots just such me into the book and do not let go until I reach the end!
October 17, 2021
I liked this story because it has 3 loveable dogs named Marley, Sprinkles & Pixie Rose. Such cute names. It's a complicated mystery too so I didn't figure out who killed Natalie. It's a fun cozy mystery. It does help that I have read the previous 2 books in the series. I received a free copy. This is my voluntary review.
November 1, 2021
Delightful!
This is my favorite book in this series yet, so I can’t wait to read more! The strength lies definitely in the characters! But actually, I also can’t fault the storyline, plot, mystery; it’s all very well-written. Fun and enjoyable, and highly recommended by me if you like cozy animal mysteries.
This is my favorite book in this series yet, so I can’t wait to read more! The strength lies definitely in the characters! But actually, I also can’t fault the storyline, plot, mystery; it’s all very well-written. Fun and enjoyable, and highly recommended by me if you like cozy animal mysteries.
September 18, 2021
Dogs and Donuts
What's not to love! Getting to know the well developed characters in this series has been delightful. The well thought out mystery was impossible to solve right up to the very end. Thank you for a well written and well plotted cozy mystery.
What's not to love! Getting to know the well developed characters in this series has been delightful. The well thought out mystery was impossible to solve right up to the very end. Thank you for a well written and well plotted cozy mystery.
October 4, 2021
Great book
This is another great book in the Dogs and Donuts seriesby Emmie Lyn. I love all of you characters and animals.
This is another great book in the Dogs and Donuts seriesby Emmie Lyn. I love all of you characters and animals.
October 19, 2021
Another wonderful, fun mystery, full of great great characters and as always, Marley, the lovable Lab.
Keep 'em coming, Emmi Lyn!
Keep 'em coming, Emmi Lyn!
October 21, 2021
"Ellie, just handle whatever life throws your way"
This series gets better and better as Ellie,her sisters, Minnie,Harry and their canine companions find another body
This series gets better and better as Ellie,her sisters, Minnie,Harry and their canine companions find another body
October 22, 2021
More mystery, lies, n yumminess with Ellie, Harry, Viola, Minnie, Piper, Gus, LeLand, Vera n others in this clean fun read. Can you guess The Who Done It correctly.
December 6, 2021
another great mystery with lots of twists and turns . the characters and their pets add to the enjoyment of this story
March 21, 2022
Entertaining and engaging
September 27, 2022
Enjoyed this story. I like the flow of it. So far I haven’t gone wrong with any of Emmie Lyn’s books.
I certainly hope this isn’t the end of the Inn or the characters!
I certainly hope this isn’t the end of the Inn or the characters!
September 16, 2024
The whole series was fun to read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews