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Dog Groomer Mysteries #7
Petter Off Dead
There’s no such thing… as a purr-fect murder.
Welcome to Santa Barbara, a quaint coastal village just a short drive north of Los Angeles. There are wineries, cute little shops, beautiful missions, and all the charm and scenery a girl could ask for. It's the kind of place where life feels easy and simple...
…until the dead bodies turn up.
When Amy and her grumpy Granny head up the California coast for a pet care convention, they think it’ll be the perfect getaway. But nothing kills vacation vibes like a corpse, especially when the killer could strike again.
There were no signs of a struggle and the poor, unsuspecting victim left a note, so the death seems like a suicide. But something doesn’t add up. For one thing, the note makes no sense, and for another, the victim’s widow swears he would never do something like this.
Will our sleuths crack the case in time? Or will this pet care convention be murder?
Welcome to Santa Barbara, a quaint coastal village just a short drive north of Los Angeles. There are wineries, cute little shops, beautiful missions, and all the charm and scenery a girl could ask for. It's the kind of place where life feels easy and simple...
…until the dead bodies turn up.
When Amy and her grumpy Granny head up the California coast for a pet care convention, they think it’ll be the perfect getaway. But nothing kills vacation vibes like a corpse, especially when the killer could strike again.
There were no signs of a struggle and the poor, unsuspecting victim left a note, so the death seems like a suicide. But something doesn’t add up. For one thing, the note makes no sense, and for another, the victim’s widow swears he would never do something like this.
Will our sleuths crack the case in time? Or will this pet care convention be murder?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2022
88 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Thomas
56 books807 followersEveryone loves a secret.
So here's a good one...
...Chelsea Thomas is technically two people, married writing team Chelsea and Matthew Thomas.
Matt and Chelsea write cozy mysteries set on an apple orchard in upstate New York. They also write television and film. As screenwriters, they have worked with several studios, including Nickelodeon, SONY and CBS.
Chelsea and Matt are graduates of Duke University and they are members of the Writers Guild of America. And they are USA Today Bestselling authors.
Chelsea enjoys spending time with animals and practicing yoga. Matt loves playing music. They both enjoy spending time near the water.
Want a free novella PLUS a free cozy mystery cookbook?
Join the Chelsea Thomas Reader Club at www.chelseathomasauthor.com.
So here's a good one...
...Chelsea Thomas is technically two people, married writing team Chelsea and Matthew Thomas.
Matt and Chelsea write cozy mysteries set on an apple orchard in upstate New York. They also write television and film. As screenwriters, they have worked with several studios, including Nickelodeon, SONY and CBS.
Chelsea and Matt are graduates of Duke University and they are members of the Writers Guild of America. And they are USA Today Bestselling authors.
Chelsea enjoys spending time with animals and practicing yoga. Matt loves playing music. They both enjoy spending time near the water.
Want a free novella PLUS a free cozy mystery cookbook?
Join the Chelsea Thomas Reader Club at www.chelseathomasauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 16, 2022
Who Killed Rupert ? . . .
Amy, Betsy, and Granny are heading to Santa Barbara for a Pet Care Expo to promote their grooming business. Amy’s detective boyfriend, Mike Fine, joins them for a nice vacation. As can be expected, chaos ensues to give the reader some hearty laughs and a murder to solve.
The victim seemed to have committed suicide, but Amy has her doubts. Rupert’s body was found in the bathroom’s Jacuzzi tub, with a rope around his neck. He left a suicide note, but it was a random collection of random letters that made no sense at all. And with the victim being a really big man, hanging himself in the shower would not have worked – his weight would have pulled the shower head off before he could strangle. Mike tried to tell Amy not to investigate this one. They were not known here, it was not in his jurisdiction, and it might be best to let their local authorities handle this. She had a booth to handle at the convention. And Mike had a huge list of activities planned… but without her? Will Amy stop her investigation? And assuming she won’t (ahem!), can she find the murderer before it’s time to pack up and go home?
Amy, Betsy, and Granny are heading to Santa Barbara for a Pet Care Expo to promote their grooming business. Amy’s detective boyfriend, Mike Fine, joins them for a nice vacation. As can be expected, chaos ensues to give the reader some hearty laughs and a murder to solve.
The victim seemed to have committed suicide, but Amy has her doubts. Rupert’s body was found in the bathroom’s Jacuzzi tub, with a rope around his neck. He left a suicide note, but it was a random collection of random letters that made no sense at all. And with the victim being a really big man, hanging himself in the shower would not have worked – his weight would have pulled the shower head off before he could strangle. Mike tried to tell Amy not to investigate this one. They were not known here, it was not in his jurisdiction, and it might be best to let their local authorities handle this. She had a booth to handle at the convention. And Mike had a huge list of activities planned… but without her? Will Amy stop her investigation? And assuming she won’t (ahem!), can she find the murderer before it’s time to pack up and go home?
March 24, 2023
This is the 7th in the series. The main character is Amy. She along with her granny, Besty and friend Mike go to a Expo dealing with dog grooming.
The man in the booth next to them is murdered in the room that Amy had reserved for her and Mike. Things aren't going well for her and Mike, so she starts to look into the death and is sure it is murder but the local cop doesn't. Then someone else is murdered. Amy and Mike seem to finally get back on track and Amy is figuring out who did it, but is it too late?
The man in the booth next to them is murdered in the room that Amy had reserved for her and Mike. Things aren't going well for her and Mike, so she starts to look into the death and is sure it is murder but the local cop doesn't. Then someone else is murdered. Amy and Mike seem to finally get back on track and Amy is figuring out who did it, but is it too late?
July 15, 2022
In this seventh outing of the series, Amy, Granny, and Betsy are headed to Santa Barbara for a pet care convention. Along for the trip is Amy's boyfriend (maybe?) Mike Fine, who is taking a vacation from his police detective job to spend it with Amy. Upon arriving, Amy is upset to learn the room she requested has been given to someone else, but Mike seems fine with it, so Amy, disappointed, goes along with it.
But Granny and Betsy can't stop arguing about anything and everything. So much for a vacation. While Amy is off to get them something for their booth, she runs into a man -- literally -- and he's rude and almost threatens her. To her dismay, the man's booth is right next door to them, and it appears he's trying to stop people from going to their booth. However, both Amy and Betsy are sidetracked by finding a dead body, and Amy, with her penchant for wanting to know the killer, spends her time looking for him or her; and if that's not bad enough, Mike is spending his time without her. So what else can she do except try to solve the case?
This is a very fun cozy, with a lot going on. You have a killer on the loose, Granny being Granny and scaring away people, Betsy trying to write a screenplay (again), and Amy at loose ends looking for clues. What can go wrong? Apparently, everything. Without giving too much away, as I don't want to spoil it for others, let me tell you that this book is one that keeps you reading in one sitting, because you don't want to miss anything. It's not only fun, it's full of clues that make it difficult to discover until almost Amy does at the same time.
Granny is still Granny; loud and grumpy; Betsy is still a hoot; and I love the fact that there might be a new addition to the cast (hopefully). Amy has her hands full trying to keep the peace between her two coworkers, and doing some things that might not be legal, but oh, well; it's all in the name of justice, right?
What we wind up with is a whirlwind of action, with Amy finding it hard to keep her mind on business (even though she knows she should) and using all her wits to find the murderer before the convention ends. She might not have a horse in the race, but she's determined to get to the finish line first.
I loved this mystery and all that it entailed; it is witty, fun, and I feel Amy's frustration right along with her. When the murderer is revealed, it's satisfying and gives us something to look forward to in the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.
But Granny and Betsy can't stop arguing about anything and everything. So much for a vacation. While Amy is off to get them something for their booth, she runs into a man -- literally -- and he's rude and almost threatens her. To her dismay, the man's booth is right next door to them, and it appears he's trying to stop people from going to their booth. However, both Amy and Betsy are sidetracked by finding a dead body, and Amy, with her penchant for wanting to know the killer, spends her time looking for him or her; and if that's not bad enough, Mike is spending his time without her. So what else can she do except try to solve the case?
This is a very fun cozy, with a lot going on. You have a killer on the loose, Granny being Granny and scaring away people, Betsy trying to write a screenplay (again), and Amy at loose ends looking for clues. What can go wrong? Apparently, everything. Without giving too much away, as I don't want to spoil it for others, let me tell you that this book is one that keeps you reading in one sitting, because you don't want to miss anything. It's not only fun, it's full of clues that make it difficult to discover until almost Amy does at the same time.
Granny is still Granny; loud and grumpy; Betsy is still a hoot; and I love the fact that there might be a new addition to the cast (hopefully). Amy has her hands full trying to keep the peace between her two coworkers, and doing some things that might not be legal, but oh, well; it's all in the name of justice, right?
What we wind up with is a whirlwind of action, with Amy finding it hard to keep her mind on business (even though she knows she should) and using all her wits to find the murderer before the convention ends. She might not have a horse in the race, but she's determined to get to the finish line first.
I loved this mystery and all that it entailed; it is witty, fun, and I feel Amy's frustration right along with her. When the murderer is revealed, it's satisfying and gives us something to look forward to in the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.
July 17, 2022
Wanting to increase their connections in the pet care world for their Pet Care business, Amy, Granny, Betsy and Amy's detective boyfriend entered a booth into a Pet Care Expo. And now we are taken on a roller coaster ride! We have Betsy trying to find a scenario for the screenplay she is trying to write, Granny in her usual gruff manor scaring people away from their booth and the booth next to them is run by the most obnoxious person who invented a new doggy toy that really looked good. Top that off with Amy not getting the room she booked at the hotel which made her angry. What could go wrong? Well add to that the dead body of Rupert their next door booth obnoxious person. And of course, who finds the dead Rupert but Amy and Betsy when they go snooping in his hotel room, just to see the room Amy didn't get. Since there was a suicide note, it seems like Rupert killed himself. Of course, things didn't sit right with Amy, Granny or Betsy and with Mike going off on his own leaving Amy alone most of the time, what better than to try and find out the truth about Rupert's death. And there is so much more! With lots of twists and turns and a local detective who seems to flirt with Amy's boyfriend leaving Amy to second guess her relationship with Mike we are taken to a great ending. This is such a fun series and the characters, as quirky as they can be mesh so well and are so much fun! This is a must read. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
May 22, 2023
I enjoyed this book. However I don't know why the author includes chapters from the cats perspective, they don't have anything to do with the mystery, I don't think, to be honest after reading the first couple I skipped the rest. Otherwise the mystery was interesting with a number of suspects, funny situations and love life drama. Not my favourite in the series, as the grumpy granny's bickering with everyone (even customers) was getting annoying and Amy's inability to talk to Mike was taking up too much time but still a fun easy read. The characters are likable and the reason I keep returning to the series, even if they are grumpy.
Amy is looking forward to promoting her pet grooming business and spending with her boyfriend, until she discovers a dead body. The guy in the next booth supposedly committed suicide but Amy doesn't think so. With Mike busy finding his own entertainment, Amy is free to investigate as much as she wants. Can she find the killer and get her relationship back on track? The dead man's womanizing ways means there are plenty of suspects but when a another body is found it begins to look like being in the pet business is a dangerous thing.
Amy is looking forward to promoting her pet grooming business and spending with her boyfriend, until she discovers a dead body. The guy in the next booth supposedly committed suicide but Amy doesn't think so. With Mike busy finding his own entertainment, Amy is free to investigate as much as she wants. Can she find the killer and get her relationship back on track? The dead man's womanizing ways means there are plenty of suspects but when a another body is found it begins to look like being in the pet business is a dangerous thing.
July 12, 2022
is Detective Mike determined to just be buddies with Amy? He seems to be practically dating a new couple he met hiking on his own while the was working at the Pet Expo. A mix up with the hotel leaves them in two beds instead of the room with a king bed and jacuzzi. What is Mike thinking? Maybe asking him, and not allowing distractions to interfere, would help Amy and Mike clarify things.
Grams and Betsey seem to be a bit directionally challenged, and are fighting a lot sharing a room. Trouble with the ladies sleuthing trio?
Things get deadly, and weirdly personal. Is it time to do some detecting, or time just to go home?
Amazing interludes with Fluffy the cat are frightening and funny.
Amusing and insightful chaos and fun whodunnit reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grams and Betsey seem to be a bit directionally challenged, and are fighting a lot sharing a room. Trouble with the ladies sleuthing trio?
Things get deadly, and weirdly personal. Is it time to do some detecting, or time just to go home?
Amazing interludes with Fluffy the cat are frightening and funny.
Amusing and insightful chaos and fun whodunnit reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2022
This was so funny and definitely didn't disappoint! Betsy was at her crazy best--can you even imagine her and Granny on a road trip together? Talk about oil and water, right? Add Mike and Amy to that mix trying for just a touch of a romantic getaway, and you've got all the makings for a fun and hilarious Pet Expo. Except in true Amy fashion, she spent most of it sleuthing and trying to keep from getting killed.
As always, I was fooled until Amy figured it out and hadn't seen that coming as far as whodunit. Amy and Mike did get a few "awww" moments together, and I hope this is the beginning of something awesome for them both. Well, it'll always be awesomely funny wherever Amy, Betsy and Granny are involved!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
As always, I was fooled until Amy figured it out and hadn't seen that coming as far as whodunit. Amy and Mike did get a few "awww" moments together, and I hope this is the beginning of something awesome for them both. Well, it'll always be awesomely funny wherever Amy, Betsy and Granny are involved!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
February 26, 2023
Petter Off Dead
You are about to enter into a bundle of mayhem murder and mystery in a cozey style. The array of characters you are about to meet are fictional but none the less vibrant, colorful, bold quirky and of course there is a schemer or two or this wouldn't be a murder mystery .brought to you by Chelsea Thomas. The characters are going to draw you in with their fun loving comedic antics ,then you will find yourself enticed further through murder, intrigue and adventure while being guided through it all with a plot that keeps you turning page after page until you've reached its unexpected and I do mean unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Petter Off Dead " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment through both human and four legged dilemmas. 😉😃 Kat
You are about to enter into a bundle of mayhem murder and mystery in a cozey style. The array of characters you are about to meet are fictional but none the less vibrant, colorful, bold quirky and of course there is a schemer or two or this wouldn't be a murder mystery .brought to you by Chelsea Thomas. The characters are going to draw you in with their fun loving comedic antics ,then you will find yourself enticed further through murder, intrigue and adventure while being guided through it all with a plot that keeps you turning page after page until you've reached its unexpected and I do mean unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Petter Off Dead " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment through both human and four legged dilemmas. 😉😃 Kat
July 15, 2022
This series is filled with humor, quirky characters, family, friendship and a little murder and mayhem. Amy, Granny and Betsy have taken their sleuthing on the road! They’re attending a pet expo with the intent of networking with other business owners to help promote their pet grooming business. The expo has barely begun when someone ends up dead. The death is ruled a suicide, but Amy believes it was murder! She just can’t help herself and has to find out who murdered Rupert. Of course solving a murder isn’t the only issue on Amy’s plate! There’s her relationship, or lack of one, with Mike Fine and contending with Granny and Betsy’s focus being on things other than solving the latest murder! It also wouldn’t be a Dog Groomer Mystery without having a side story of Fluffy’s shenanigans!
July 15, 2022
Amy, her Granny, Betsy Amy’s and “boyfriend” Mike can’t even attend a pet care convention to promote Creature Comforts without finding a body. The vendor in the next set up next to them is found murdered so of course, Amy had to look into it. Granny is upset as Amy is not really spending much time promoting the shop. As she questions the suspects, another body is found.
Amy’s also trying to determine if she made the right decision to work on a relationship with Mike as he’s been spending time with another couple vs. time with her.
What is going on at this pet care convention?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amy’s also trying to determine if she made the right decision to work on a relationship with Mike as he’s been spending time with another couple vs. time with her.
What is going on at this pet care convention?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2023
Amy, granny, Betsy, and Mike take a trip to Santa Barbara to network to learn more to help Creature Comforts grow.
It started with a mix up in rooms.
Then a misunderstanding.
Then a murder.
Mike being weird.
Odd events and people at the convention.
Another murder.
Mike and Amy become an official couple.
Amy solves the mystery and finds the murderer.
A new business venture opportunity.
A satisfied Fluffy.
Friendly neighbors again.
I enjoyed this book and the characters in this series.
Quirky characters you will love reading about, and finally be ready for the next book in this series.
I received this ARC copy for my honest review.
It started with a mix up in rooms.
Then a misunderstanding.
Then a murder.
Mike being weird.
Odd events and people at the convention.
Another murder.
Mike and Amy become an official couple.
Amy solves the mystery and finds the murderer.
A new business venture opportunity.
A satisfied Fluffy.
Friendly neighbors again.
I enjoyed this book and the characters in this series.
Quirky characters you will love reading about, and finally be ready for the next book in this series.
I received this ARC copy for my honest review.
July 13, 2022
I really enjoy this series immensely! I received an ARC of this book from booksprout and the author. I love the characters; Amy Betsy and Granny. Betsy and Granny argue constantly about nothing and Amy keeps trying to play peacemaker! The trio decide to get a booth in Santa Barbara at a Pet Care Expo to advertise their Creature Comforts pet grooming business. Amy’s new boyfriend Mike, a detective, comes along for a vacation. It’s a bundle of laughs, a lot of confusion, and even a murder to investigate! A delightful read!
July 23, 2022
Murder or suicide??
A visit to the annual California Pet Expo should have been a mix business with pleasure, including some time for romance with Detective Mike Fine, but when Amy finds the corpse of one of the exhibitors everything changes.
This is a fun cozy. Plenty of twists and humor kept it interesting as Amy haphazardly pursues the clues while Grandma and Betsy create chaos. It was entertaining how the mystery was interspersed with Fluffy’s antics back home. I received a free copy of the book, but my review is voluntary and honest.
A visit to the annual California Pet Expo should have been a mix business with pleasure, including some time for romance with Detective Mike Fine, but when Amy finds the corpse of one of the exhibitors everything changes.
This is a fun cozy. Plenty of twists and humor kept it interesting as Amy haphazardly pursues the clues while Grandma and Betsy create chaos. It was entertaining how the mystery was interspersed with Fluffy’s antics back home. I received a free copy of the book, but my review is voluntary and honest.
July 26, 2022
I really liked this book. I enjoyed the character’s relationships with each other, especially Mike and Amy. The author had some great insights into relationships. Such as: “We like to think we understand other people, but everybody’s got a whole private life that no one else knows.” And one of the things I enjoyed most was watching Amy grow in her relationship with herself as well as other people. Seeing her faults and making a decision to change herself. The murder mystery was well written also and I liked how that was revealed. I will definitely read the next book!!
March 2, 2023
Another great read!
I really enjoy reading books written by Chelsea Thomas and her husband Matt. She has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. I like Granny, she seems to be a spitfire, and Betsy is kind of an air head, and Amy is kind of scatterbrained at times. You will fall in love with Chelsea books I promise. I have read almost every one she has wrote.
I really enjoy reading books written by Chelsea Thomas and her husband Matt. She has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. I like Granny, she seems to be a spitfire, and Betsy is kind of an air head, and Amy is kind of scatterbrained at times. You will fall in love with Chelsea books I promise. I have read almost every one she has wrote.
March 20, 2023
Amy, her grandmother, and her best friend, Betsy, were to an Expo for pet shop owners. It was to be a simple ask of getting to know better other pet shop owners, hearing their ideas, and seeing their products, but it turned out differently. Finding a dead man causes Amy to return to her hobby of sleuth. Lots of suspects and Amy and her team were right there to weed them out to find the murderer.
A nice cozy mystery
A nice cozy mystery
July 20, 2022
Amy, Granny, and Betsy are off to pet convention. The man in the booth beside them is found dead in his apartment. The police think it is suicide but Amy believes it is murder. Who wanted him dead? His ex-wives? He business partner? Somebody else? Amy investigates while letting Granny and Betsy to man their table. Plenty of hijinks and side stories to entertain. Enjoy.
July 25, 2022
This is such a cute series and this book is a great addition. The storyline was engaging and the mystery kept me guessing who the murder was. The best part of this book though were the characters although I was a bit disappointed when granny didn’t have as large a role as she usually does. Despite that I enjoyed this book.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
April 14, 2023
This is a cozy mystery with some funny moments. Pros: I did smile a few times, there were no gory descriptions, the main character was likeable, and Mike Fine was an interesting boyfriend. Cons: The bickering between Granny and Betsy was disturbing and not funny (in my opinion).
February 11, 2025
A fun, funny and interesting series
This is the 7th Book I have read in this series. The stories are always fresh and intriquing. T he characters are memorable and some are quirky . All in all a delightful series.
This is the 7th Book I have read in this series. The stories are always fresh and intriquing. T he characters are memorable and some are quirky . All in all a delightful series.
July 11, 2022
A clever cozy mystery. It kept me guessing. A charming series. This can easily be read as a stand-alone. Interesting characters. Thanks to Booksprout for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
July 12, 2022
I really enjoyed reading Petter Off Dead. This is an entertaining and fun book. I like the characters. The mystery has many twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. This is a great cozy mystery.
July 22, 2022
convention turns deadly
The group heads off to a pet convention & finds themselves in the middle of another murder mystery. Quirky characters and crazy mystery make a good read.
The group heads off to a pet convention & finds themselves in the middle of another murder mystery. Quirky characters and crazy mystery make a good read.
August 2, 2022
Dog groomer 7
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.Always looking for new books by Chelsea thomas
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.Always looking for new books by Chelsea thomas
September 30, 2022
This series just gets better and better!
November 29, 2022
Dog Grooming. And Murder
This is a first by this author for me I enjoy stories that have animals and a cozy mystery combined
This is a first by this author for me I enjoy stories that have animals and a cozy mystery combined
February 26, 2023
Cats
Another great story in this series by these 2 writers. I think I am enjoying these mote than the others they write Definitely worth a read.
Another great story in this series by these 2 writers. I think I am enjoying these mote than the others they write Definitely worth a read.
March 8, 2023
gender is fluid….really 🤦🏻♀️
Anyone who believes gender is fluid does not deserve my time. I deleted this book and this author off my list.
Anyone who believes gender is fluid does not deserve my time. I deleted this book and this author off my list.
July 27, 2022
Who killed Rupert and why??? Well, I might of thought of it if I were Amy!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
August 11, 2024
Another great mystery
The dog groomers take a vacation at a pet related expo and get involved with another mysterious death or two.
The dog groomers take a vacation at a pet related expo and get involved with another mysterious death or two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews