BIRDS, PUPPIES, AND MURDER
(Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery #4)
Joyce Proell and Brenda Whiteside
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
Blurb:
Lost puppies, endangered birds…
The sisters are birddogs on a murder most fowl.
The sisters are thriving like mountain sage in an Arizona autumn. Nicole’s yoga business is gaining a foothold in Wyatt. Emma’s first mystery novel is scheduled for release. But a proposed, expansive building project in the pristine area of the bird sanctuary has the community in an uproar. It’s Environmentalists versus Big Business, and the sisters are caught in the cross-fire.
When one of Nic’s yoga students is found dead near the planned resort, the amateur sleuths are back on the trail of a killer. Who has the most to gain from her death—the morally challenged developer, the money-grubbing boyfriend, her jealous brother, a nasty neighbor, or a co-worker with dark secrets? And where has Skittles, the dog, gone?
While the Chocolate Martini Sisters sort through the litany of villains, they’re leaving no mystery unsolved. The stakes are escalating, throwing the sisters on divergent paths that all come together at a dangerous intersection. As they unsnarl the tangled mysteries, will they expose the murderer before the killer finds a way to silence them?
Excerpt:
“Gus!”
The black mutt exploded from behind the building, dissolving her tension. He raced past her, his bark excited, and did a complete three-sixty, before he bounded off from where he’d been.
“What in the…” He disappeared behind the building, and she shouted his name again. When he didn’t return, she trudged after him, shoulders tight with frustration. “Feel free to wait, Auntie, while I reign him in.”
Lydia laughed and skipped after her. “Don’t worry about me. I may not move as fast as I used to, but I’m still moving.” She cackled joyously, alarming several blackbirds she recognized as grackles who jetted from a yellowed leafed Aspen.
Emma rounded the far corner of the building, following a dirt path covered generously with fallen pine needles from nearby trees. The back-half of Gus jutted from a cluster of rangy bushes, rear end wiggling.
“Gus. Get out of there.” A sharp whimper made her wince. Concerned he’d cornered a critter, she grabbed his collar, inching him backwards. When she saw what lay on the ground, her heart lurched into her throat. “Oh, no.” She couldn’t believe it. “Come away!” She tugged the excitable animal, struggling to contain him, and yanked the leash from her jacket pocket. “Lydia, stay back! You don’t want to see this.” Hand trembling, she managed to hook Gus to his leash and wrangled him from the bushes.
“What’s going on?” Lydia asked, sounding worried.
“There’s a dead body.”
My Review:
Birds, Puppies, and Murder is a captivating mystery novel that drew
me in from the very first page. The intricate plot and well-developed
characters kept me guessing, making each twist and turn even more
thrilling. Even after finishing the book, I found myself reflecting
on the themes and eager to discuss it with friends. I can’t wait to
read more in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery series.
The
story follows the Chocolate Martini Sisters, Nic and Emma, as they
investigate a new murder case. They are quite skilled at solving
mysteries, and this one involves a web of deceit and betrayal among a
diverse cast of suspects, including a shady developer, a greedy
boyfriend, and a co-worker with dark secrets. As the sisters delve
deeper, they uncover hidden connections that lead them closer to the
truth.
When I met the boyfriend, I was suspicious of his
behavior and thought, "Yeah, he did it," but then another
suspect was introduced, and I was no longer sure about who did it,
leaving me with many unanswered questions.
Each twist and turn in the plot keeps me on the edge of my seat,
eager to unravel the truth alongside the sisters. I can't help but
wonder how they will piece together the clues and ultimately reveal
the real culprit.
Overall, this captivating murder
mystery, Birds, Puppies, and Murder, is highly recommended for anyone
who enjoys a thrilling whodunit. Don't miss out on this gripping tale—get your copy today!
Author Bio and Links
After hearing countless stories as a mental health professional, Joyce Proell retired to create her own tales. An award-winning author, she writes historical romance and cozy mystery where all endings are guaranteed happy. She shares her home on the prairie with a husband and a little dog with a big personality. When she isn’t reading or writing, she likes to swim and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. Visit here at her website: www.joyceproell.com
Connect with Joyce Proell
Facebook or Facebook ~ X ~ Website
Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, cozy mystery, and romance. She’s a born and bred Arizona native who sets fictional stories in imaginary, but recognizable, Arizona locations. She and her husband live in Central Arizona. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes. Visit Brenda at https://www.brendawhiteside.com
Connect with Brenda Whiteside
Giveaway:
$20 Amazon/BN GC
3 comments:
Thank you so much for hosting and reviewing today.
Thank you so much for a detailed, great review. Joyce and I appreciate it!
Thank you for hosting. So happy you enjoyed the book
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