Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "Murder Most Howl: A Paws and Claws Cozy Mystery" by Krista Davis

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Review of "Murder Most Howl: A Paws and Claws Cozy Mystery" by Krista Davis

In this 3rd book in the 'Paws and Claws' mystery series, a real homicide occurs during a murder mystery game. The book works fine as a standalone.

*****

Holly Miller returned to the town of Wagtail in the mountains of western Virginia to help her Oma (grandma) run the Sugar Maple Inn.

Wagtail is a pet-friendly town that allows dogs and cats to wander free and permits animals in stores and restaurants. The Sugar Maple Inn welcomes pets......

.....and its café has dog versions of 'people food' - like pancakes, pizza, and macaroni and cheese - so guests and their fur babies can dine together.

Holly is managing the Sugar Maple Inn while her Oma is on vacation, and she's happy to be trusted with the responsibility.

As it happens, the inn is fully booked with guests who've checked in to participate in Wagtail's 'Murder Mystery Weekend', a contest where players compete to solve a (fake) murder.

Holly's friend Val, who runs the Hair of the Dog pub is in charge of the murder mystery, and Holly and other merchants hide clues and weapons that players need to solve the homicide. The competition is fierce, and players may team up, scramble for an advantage, and steal clues from one another.

The 'murder victim' is Baron Von Rotweiler.....

.....and each player, one of whom is the killer, is given an identity such as: the Baron's third wife; the Baron's business partner; the cousin of the Baron's second wife; etc. The clues provide information like: the Baron embezzled from his company; the Baron poisoned his second wife; and so on.

To add to the fun, the town is sponsoring a program called 'If The Dog Fits', in which visitors to Wagtail can foster a shelter dog for a few days, to see if they'd like to adopt.

Things get complicated when Holly and her dog Trixie find the body of a Wagtail businessman called Norm Wilson, who turns out to be a REAL murder victim. Moreover, Norm seems to have a lot in common with the phony Baron Von Rotweiler, such as being a ruthless businessman and a wife abuser.

Holly takes it upon herself to investigate Norm's murder while dealing with challenges like a handyman who quits for his dream job; a blizzard; a blackout; people's belongings going missing; a guest who complains about everything; wild mice showing up at the inn; and more.

Holly fears Oma will return and be disappointed with her stewardship of the hotel, but Holly's a capable gal who's up to the task.

The story has an engaging mystery with interesting characters, including a beautiful former fashion model; an animal psychic; Holly's nosy interfering Aunt Birdie; Oma's friend Mr. Huckle; police officer Dave; ladies from the Cloak and Dagger Book Club; a couple who want to adopt a dog; Holly's former beau Holmes - who Holly still crushes on; and more.

My major quibble with the story is Holly's habit of jumping to conclusions, and suspecting people without sufficient evidence, which seems to be a common trait among fictional amateur sleuths. Nevertheless, this is a fun story with lots of lovable cats and dogs. Recommended to fans of cozy mysteries.

Rating: 3 stars

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Barb's Book Reviews

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Review of "Murder Most Howl: A Paws and Claws Cozy Mystery" by Krista Davis

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