Daphne is a hoot! And I can't wait to see what develops with Jackson... a fun, light, mystery - especially for dog lovers. Daphne's friends provide a lot of depth and color to the mystery, and that made it even more fun to read. Loved it!

This is one really good read with twist, dogs, full characters, dogs, romance, dogs and fun. The mystery unravels in a timely manner and the 'ugly' dog gets a home. The author's voice is intelligent yet funny even with the animals

When Daphne’s discovered the dead boy of her sister’s boyfriend at her farm, Daphne takes it upon herself to investigate when it looks like her sister is the prime suspect. It takes dogged determination for Daphne to prevail in her search for a killer.

This was a fun and enjoyable book to read. I love the author’s writing style and the tone that was set at the beginning. The tempo was perfect as it kept things flowing at an evenly pace. The narrative was nicely done as it placed me in the middle of all the action from the introduction of Daphne, Piper to the first encounter with Jonathan Blake to the farm setting to the antics of the dogs and to the search for clues. The author did a great job in setting the stage for this murder mystery with suspects and clues that kept me glued to the pages. I liked that with every turn, a new suspect was outed but again, it was those innocent information-gatherings that provided enough suspicions for Daphne that helped in exposing the killer’s identity. Daphne is very likable and I like that she follows her own self in what she does and somehow it all works for her. She is surrounded by an eclectic cast of characters which includes the adorable Socrates and Artie. Boasting a great cast, engaging dialogue and a small-town feel, this is delightfully charming introduction to a series that is a welcome addition to the cozy genre.

Daphne, who runs a pet-sitting business in Sylvans Creek, wants to help find out who murdered an unpopular dog trainer, even though Jonathan, the handsome new cop, tells her to back off. I enjoyed this new series with likeable characters, both two and four legged, and look forward to reading more by this author.

I read Death by Chocolate Lab, A Lucky Paws Pet-sitting Mystery by Bethany Blake yesterday. This is a first in series about an unlikely armature sleuth and over qualified pet sitter that dog lovers are sure to enjoy. I will be absolutely honest it took me a really long time to get into this book, though the first half is very slow moving I did enjoy the second half. I did not find the mystery in the book plausible but I did appreciate the back story for the detective

I don't like to write negative reviews so I decline to post a review of this book.

Death by Chocolate Lab is the debut book in Bethany Blake’s Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery series. The storyline is well plotted and the characters are well developed. This book held my attention from beginning until the end and I was shocked by the final reveal. I’m looking forward to see what future adventures are in store for Daphne and her friends. This book was an enjoyable, clean read and I highly recommend it to cozy mystery fans.

Daphne Templeton has a Ph.D. in philosophy and is the financially struggling owner of Lucky Paws Pet Sitting in the quaint village of Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania. She has a Basset Hound, Socrates, who is her loyal companion and is fostering a one eared, crooked toothed, drooling Chihuahua, Artie. She lives with her sister, Piper, who is a veterinarian and owner of Templeton Animal Hospital, at her sister’s farm, Winding Hill. Piper is hosting a dog agility trial on her farm and her ex-boyfriend and owner of Blue Ribbon K9 Academy, Steve Beamus, and vendors begin arriving late the evening before the event to set up the course and their booths. The day of the event, Daphne and Piper discover the course isn’t finished and even though his truck is still on the property, Steve is missing. When Daphne discovers Steve’s bludgeoned body in a long red tunnel that is part of the course, Piper becomes one of many suspects. Detectives Jonathan Black and Fred Doebler are assigned to the case and no matter how many times Jonathan instructs Daphne to keep out of the investigation, she is determined to clear her sister’s name and find Steve’s murderer. Daphne is also worried about Axis, Steve’s prize-winning chocolate Labrador, who went missing the night of his death. Dylan Taggart, Piper’s easygoing vet tech who sometimes dates Daphne and Jonathan are vying for Daphne’s attention.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

This is a really wonderful debut book for what appears to be an exciting new series. The quirky characters and the oh so lovable canines, add a real allure to this "who done it". The characters in this book really cover the spectrum in personality, each one a main character in waiting. While some of the "secrets" in the story were easy to decipher some were not, hence, taunting the reader, which all good mysteries should do. There were some questions left hanging, that I bet are preludes to some of the mysteries to come in future books. If you love dogs, spunky female characters, this book is for you. Can't wait for the next one. So glad I was given the opportunity to read this arc. Thanks Kensington and NetGalley.

Death by Chocolate Lab is the debut in the Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery series featuring Daphne Templeton and her furry friends. Daphne is busy promoting her pet sitting business, Lucky Paws in Sylvan Creek Pennsylvania and trying not to take in too many strays to live with her on her sister Piper's farm, Winding Hill.

Veterinarian Piper is hosting a dog agility contest at the farm and the course is being set up by her obnoxious ex, Steve Beamus, owner of Blue Ribbon K9 Academy. Having abruptly dumped Piper and with a reputation as a womanizer, Steve is not one of Daphne's favorite people and it's really no surprise when Daphne stumbles upon his dead body.

With other vendors having overheard an argument between Piper and Steve, Piper quickly becomes a person of interest in his murder. Determined to clear her sister's name and uncover the true killer, Daphne sets out with the help of her faithful sidekick, basset hound Socrates and her temporary charge, disfigured Chihuahua Artie. Oh, and a little help from best friend Moxie Bloom and hunky Detective Jonathan Black doesn't hurt either.

A terrific cast of zany and fun characters that will draw you in from page one. A fast moving storyline that has a bit of everything including pets, an overbearing mother, a best friend and gorgeous guy (unfortunately there does seem to be a hint of the dreaded love triangle - which I hope will be resolved in the next installment in the series).

As every dog owner knows each dog has it's own personality. Many pet owners find themselves having conversations with their pets and most like me, find themselves giving their pets a voice and answering for them. The author does exactly this with Socrates and even the non pet lover will have a smile on their face reading about the antics and "thoughts" of this portly basset hound. Without a doubt Socrates is my new favorite "cozy" dog. I can't wait to see what future adventures are in store for Daphne and her friends.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Kensington Books. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

As a first in a new series, Death by Chocolate Lab was fantastic.
Daphne Templeton is a fun, down to earth character who will be loved by all readers.
Getting her business off the ground as a pet sitter is a bit of a struggle, but her companions make it worth it.
Write is a Chihuahua who only has one ear, drools and wants to be the center of attention. Socrates is a bassett hound who enjoys keeping a stiff upper lip.
These lovable canines live with Daphne and her sister Piper, a veterinarian who believes in doing the appropriate thing all the time.
When murder disrupts their lives, Daphne can't help but attempt to sniff out the bad guy.

I really enjoyed the book. It kept my attention from beginning until the end I was shocked when all was revealed.
This has the potential to become a favorite series with many cozy mystery fans.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Death by Chocolate Lab is the start to what looks to be a promising new series. I have to say that the title of the book grabbed me and made me feel I absolutely had to read this book. I was not disappointed.
We get to meet Daphne, pets sitter, dog walker, and bemusing free spirit. She has her loyal companion, Socrates, her foster, Artie, and her polar opposite sister, Piper. Piper is the town vet and is hosting a dog agility competition at her farm. The day of the event, Daphne finds local dog trainer and her sister's ex boyfriend Steve murdered and that jump starts the story.
We follow Daphne as she investigates and attempts to prove her sister did not murder Steve, attempts to suppress the growing chemistry she has with the lead detective on the case, Detective Jonathan Black, and tries to figure out who in their sleepy little town is the real murderer.
This book was definitely an enjoyable read. Daphne is annoyingly lovable as she stumbles and bumbles around trying to help her sister. The author threw in just enough curveballs to keep it interesting. If you are looking for a light read with humor and a dash of mystery, definitely pick this title up.

This is a fun new addition to the cozy mystery genre. It features a down to earth protaganist in Daphne Templeton, a woman who will stop at nothing to help out her family. When her sister Piper becomes a suspect in the murder of an ex-boyfriend Daphne involves herself in investigating the case to clear her sister's name. With plenty of adorable dog characters as well as a dash of potential romance, this book has everything needed for an enjoyable mystery. I highly recommend it.