Carrie Kennersly, owner of a dual bakery serving both fresh dog treats and treats for the humans who love them has once again gotten involved in a murder investigation. This time her brother’s new girlfriend has been implicated after the woman she accused of stealing her dog is found dead.

This story is proof that dog lovers can hold their own as the furry best friends are the real stars. Carrie lands herself in the middle of this investigation by rationalizing that her brother may be in the crossfire, but it is obvious that her love of dogs and indignation over the dognappings is what fuels her fire. I do have to admit that this didn’t feel like a cozy as the investigation took an extreme backseat to Carrie’s businesses. There seemed to more information about part time workers schedules than clues. I have to admit that the concept of a canine bakery is an interesting one and the treats as described were mouthwatering even for dog treats.

The story does offer suspects galore and Carrie’s unsophisticated investigation style keeps the story moving. I have to admit the end was a bit of a surprise as I couldn’t tell which of the suspects I was leaning more toward being the bad guy. This was an quick entertaining read.

4 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ( )

To Catch a Treat by Linda O. Johnston is the second book in A Barkery and Biscuits Mystery series. Carrie Kennersley owns the Bakery and Biscuits bake shop in Knobcone Heights, California. One side caters to humans and the other to four legged creatures (what a neat idea). Her brother, Neal has invited her to participate in one of his hikes (he gives hikes of the area) in order to meet his new love interest, Janelle Blaystone. Janelle is upset over the loss of her black Labrador, GO (for Goliath). This is not the first dog napping. There have been a rash of them lately. Janelle is from Los Angeles and is visiting the area (does not bode well for Neal’s romance) with her friend, Delma Corning. Carrie feels bad for Janelle and decides to help her. She takes her to Billi Matlock’s Mountaintop Rescue Animal Shelter and introduce her to their latest guest (a friendly black Labrador who was left in the alley behind the shelter). The rescue dog turns out to be Janelle’s dog, Go. Janelle is so excited at getting her baby returned to her. Go was chipped, but it was unable to be read with the scanner (odd). Janelle confronts Ada Arnist and accuses her of stealing her dog. Unfortunately, Ada soon turns up dead with (guess who) Janelle as the lead suspect. Carrie does some sleuthing to find the real killer and, hopefully, the dog nappers.

To Cath a Treat was kind of blah. The beginning is very slow and this reader was not drawn into the story. I was also not taken with the main character. I think Carrie has some major issues and needs some help. Carrie believes all men are attracted and interested in her (it is in her head). The one man who does like her, she keeps pushing away (he should run while he has the chance). The book talked more about the animals, than about the murder. The dog napping seemed to take precedence of the murder (the only people concerned with Ada’s death seem to be her parents). We get many details on the scenery while hiking, dog descriptions, the bakery, people, etc. There are a lot of people and animals. It is hard to keep them all straight (so focus on the main ones). The mystery was fairly easy to solve, but there was a little twist (most people will probably not see it coming). The writer just did not bring this novel to life for me. Some books you read and good novels you live. I give To Catch a Treat 3 out of 5 stars. This is the second book in the series, but I believe it can be read without having enjoyed the first book (though it may help to keep all the characters straight). Will I read the next book in the series? Unfortunately, no. This was just not the right book for me. One thing I did like was the cover of To Catch a Treat. It is just adorable.

I received a complimentary copy of To Catch a Treat from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the novel. ( )

There is something to be said about book covers. This one really delivers brilliantly on grabbing your attention. Who wouldn't want to see what these dogs are up to? I love cozy mysteries and this book is another example of why I do. It has great characters such as Carrie who was a vet tech and now runs a bakery. Here is the great thing about this bakery; it not only offers human treats but animal treats. Guess Carrie couldn't quite give up her love of being a vet tech.

Carrie loves her job as a bakery owner but she of course she still loves animals. When she meets her brothers friend, Janelle she is upset to learn that her dog was dog napped. If you are a pet owner, you know how hard it is to lose one. Janelle is distraught over this and Carrie decides to see if maybe she can help find out what happened. Here is when the story explodes with intrigue and keeps you glued to the book. First we have a missing dog, then suddenly it reappears. I smell something fishy here, don't you? But just wait, the excitement has just gotten started . What is Janelle hiding? What tragedy happens next that will have Carrie start to question if there was a dog napping?

Get ready for a fun ride as the adventure never stops in this story. I loved the characters and the story that kept me guessing. The story takes some twists that I didn't see coming which made me even more determined to finish the book. Fans of cozy mysteries and dog lovers will not be disappointment in this well written who dun it book that is sure to be recommended by cozy mystery lovers. Find a comfy place to read and enjoy this wonderful book that the author has written with creativity, well rounded characters and a mystery that is sure to keep you guessing till the end.

I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for an honest review. ( )