A good mystery doesn’t need a bookmark. Rather, it’s one you curl up on the couch with and read straight through from beginning to end. This is book seven in the series Barkview Mysteries by C.B. Wilson, staring clever characters in a sweet little town.

Amidst the bustle of the town’s annual gingerbread house competition, a young culinary star is killed. Like any good mystery there are many characters who stand to profit from her death, while others are compelled to do what they can to solve the crime. Stepping up to help care for the chef’s pups and solve the murder is Cat Howl, the editor-in-chief of the local TV Station KDOG (of course).

What I especially love about this book is how many of the characters have dogs following at their heels like perfect little canines, including the two mischievous dachshunds that alert Cat, there’s a murder afoot (or should I say “apaw”). Despite the horror of the circumstances and the negative press surrounding the competition, the sassy protagonist does what she does best, rolls up her shirtsleeves and gets things done, including aiding the local law in solving the murder.

This book has two of my favorite things—dogs and a good mystery.

It’s a fun read with plenty of red-herrings and an interesting twist involving a coded recipe and a historical treasure. Notwithstanding these story elements, the book was written by a talented author with a passion for Nancy Drew books, dogs, chocolate, and pickleball.

Image and Book Courtesy of C.B. Wilson