Loved it! Two of my favourite things come together in this book - mysteries and dogs. It’s a slight twist on the usual cosy, quirky mystery genre in that the protagonist finds herself in the position of the accused. The writing style is great - really clear and engaging, just as if you were conversing with a friend.

Sit, Stay, Slay by V. M. Burns is the 5th book in the Dog Club Mystery, and another wonderful addition. I have enjoyed this author's Mystery Bookshop series, and the other books in Dog Club Mystery series. Ms. Burns is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Lilly Echosby move to Florida after her husband left her. Lilly's has two dogs, named Agatha Christie, Aggie, and Rex Stout, Rex, good thing Lilly's best friend, Dixie, trains dogs. Dixie's obedience class has enrolled in a mock competition. There is one judge who considers Dixie her enemy and eliminates every person in Dixie's class. When that judge is found dead, Dixie is the main suspect. There is so much going on in this book, between her friends, her work place, her boyfriend, and the murder, you just can't be bored by this book. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy and fun mysteries, I strongly recommend this book/series. 
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have to say that the first thing that caught my attention about this book was the cover. I am a huge animal lover so normally what happens is that I see a cute cover with an animal on it then I check the summary to see if the story looks like something I want to read. This cover is so adorable that even though I knew nothing about this book or the series I requested it right away from NetGalley. And I am so happy that I did.

This is my first foray into the Dog Club Mysteries and into V.M. Burns' books period. However, I am completely in love with the story, the characters, and of course the animals!

I went through the whole book wishing that I myself lived in Chattanooga surrounded by all of this wonderful friends. I myself have lived in the North, the Midwest, and the South, so I get the attraction. I loved my time in the South but I recognized the fact that I am and always will be a Midwesterner. However, I know the courage it takes to pick up completely from where you're used to and move somewhere else in the country entirely. It's scary as heck but it can also be a great deal of fun.

This book captures all of that. The good people, the food, the animals, and everything. I am definitely going to start at the beginning of the series and read my way through. I cannot wait for book six. I do not know much about Dog Shows and what all that entails but I was really enjoying what I was reading about it in this book. Of course, I have seen a few Dog Shows on tv but honestly, they have never really been my cup of tea. However, that being said, just from the bit garnered from this book, next time I see one on television I think I might have a better understanding of it and it might interest me more.

Lilly is a wonderful character. I am so glad that the MC is a mature woman. I am thrilled to see also that she is someone who is a survivor and not a victim. I just cannot stand characters that are victims. You may be on your last rope but there is almost always something you can do, even if it's praying. She has such strength of character. I just find myself drawn to her. I wish she was a real person. I could really see myself spending time with her and letting her wisdom wash over me.

Red is great, And I am so happy to see that even though he is in law enforcement, that is something other than a detective. This is a really great idea and I think it brings a new depth to the story.

I love the group of friends. BJ and Monica Jill, and Dixie. What a hoot! However, my favorite is Dixie. Sweet, funny, sassy, compassionate, giving. She encompasses all of the qualities of a true Southern Lady. I love them all so much.

This book kept me guessing until the very end. Normally, that would drive me crazy with the anticipation but I enjoyed this story so much that I let it ride and just enjoyed the book. Then Boom! Right at the end, out of nowhere. Because I had thought of this person as a possible suspect but then I was like no. I don't see it. Man, sure had me fooled. And that's incredibly hard to do. Loved it!

Fabulous book! Well written, great fleshed out characters. I cannot wait for book six. Seriously cannot wait. I loved that even the animals got a part to play. Really cannot say enough how much I loved this book. Seriously, you will not be sorry.

I was given this ARC by NetGalley to read and review for my own opinions. Everything stated here is my own honest opinions and no one else's.

This is a delightful series that is pleasing for all dog lovers. This is the 5th in series and one of my favorites of the series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own. I highly recommend this next in series for your reading enjoyment.

Lilly Echosby has entered her dogs in a trial run show for practice. All of her participants of Dixie’s dog training group are also entered in the show. When the judge for her group turns out to be Dixie’s nemesis she does not act professionally toward Lilly and her students and won't place any of them. When the judge is found murdered, Dixie is the main suspect as she was seen arguing with the victim and the police find out about their contentious history. Lilly is joined in her sleuth to truth by her dog training friends as they all work to gather clues and clear her name.

I love this series for the dogs, the wonderful charcters and the well crafted sleuthing. Every book is delightful and a fun read to conclusion. I look forward to the next adventure of Lilly and her dogs.

An engaging mystery with a feel good ending. It all started at a mock trial dog show with lots of drama then the murder of a much detested person. Lilly Ann, CPA, finds herself in the middle when her best friend Dixie becomes a top suspect and her boyfriend's superiors what him to arrest Dixie. Lilly sees solving the murder, and quickly, her only way out.

There is an enjoyable cast of characters, dogs included, and a great family/friend vibe in this story. Thanks to Lyrical Underground and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Sit, Stay, Slay is the fifth book in the Dog Club Mystery series by V. M. Burns.

Dixie, Lilly Ann, and the other members of Dixie’s dog obedience class will attend a local mock trial so that they and their dogs can get the experience. Dixie has known the judge, Naomi Keller, since high school, and they have had difficulties over the years. As Dixie’s class members are putting their dogs through the trials, they are all disqualified by bad calls. During a break in the tests, Keller’s step-daughter enters the ring and pours maple syrup on her. Later, when Dixie puts her standard Poodle through her demonstration, Keller deliberately steps the Poodle’s front paw. Dixie has had enough, and with a right hook, she floors Keller. Then as the event is winding down, the lifeless body of Keller is found.

Dixie quite naturally becomes the prime suspect, and Dixie’s “pack” will have to get busy to find the killer. Before that will happen Lilly, and her friends will have to look into family relationships and infidelity to find the killer.

I love this series; I like all animals, but I am a dog lover. Not only does this series have dogs as characters, but the reader is also given insight into the procedure of training and showing dogs. The story is well-written and plotted. Also, the characters are well-developed and believable. I would love to a member of their club.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the doggone great series.

I didn't think it was possible but this series just keeps getting better. I was hooked from the first book and Sit, Stay, Slay captured me from the first page. I already loved the ensemble of two-footed and four-footed characters and would read the books just to spend time with them, but V.M Burns weaves a solid tale of intrigue that pulls me along with Lilly Echosby, her dog Aggie, and the dear friends she has made since her arrival in Chattanooga as they search for the murderous villain and seek to bring justice even for the least loveable victim.
The villain in Sit, Stay, Slay has targeted members of Scarlet's class during a mock obedience trials to the point that when she is murdered, Scarlett becomes a suspect, drawing Lilly and the dog club into Red's investigation. For once, he is happy to let them apply their mixed bag of knowledge to help him locate the real murder.
The dogs are so real and varied that I miss them between books as much as I miss the human characters. Even if I didn't not know from following her that Ms. Burns is a long-time poodle mamma, I would figure it out from her understanding of the love between a fur baby and his family. I appreciate that despite having recently had to say goodbye to another of her real-life babies, Ms. Burns does not bring the pain of that loss into her books she brings only the joy of the love they bring her.
I love all of V.M. Burns's series so much that they are not only automatic pre-orders, I keep an eye open for a chance to request an ARC so I don't have to wait to get my hands on each book as it becomes available. I have never been disappointed even with my high expectations of her writing.
#NetGalley #SitStaySlay

Love this series. Its always an enjoyable afternoon to sit down and read this series, just such a treat. A great cozy mystery, wonderful characters that kept me happily reading till the end.

The fifth in this series finds Dixie Jefferson as the main murder suspect. Friends turned enemies doesn’t end well for Naomi. Someone has put an end to this selfish, self-centered witch. Naomi has a sorted background. Her actions are just despicable. She uses her position as the head judge of the mock dog show to disqualify most of Dixie’s clients. She hurts Chyna, one of Dixie’s dogs, during the show. Naomi’s step daughter stages a protest at the show which winds up with Naomi covered in syrup.

I enjoy Lilly and cast as they try to resolve the murder which everyone knows Dixie did not do. The clues, the red herrings, and the doubt by Red’s supervisors just add fuel to the fire.

I like how family, friends and the police come together in solving this crime. The dogs are always entertaining.

This series is a must read for me. I highly recommend it. one of the things I like about it is that it doesn’t makes the police look incompetent. It shows there are different approaches to investigating.

I was given an ARC copy by Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.

"Sit, Stay, Slay" is the fifth book in the Dog Club Mystery series. Lilly takes care of her two poodles and solves crimes. The story is a typical high school rival dies, and the protagonist is accused of the murder. I enjoyed VM Burn's spin on it, though. Lilly solves the mystery with flair, thanks to her love Agatha Christie novels.

Adorable series with a wonderful cast of characters and dogs. Lilly and Dixie have been best friends for many years and are always supportive of each other. This is especially true in this book where Lilly gets involved in solving the mystery because Dixie is the prime suspect. Lilly and the rest of "Dixie's Pack," the dog training group, know that Dixie is innocent and work together to find the real killer. Red, Lilly's boyfriend, and TBI Investigator, is also on the case. This book has it all, great characters, mystery, dogs, and a little romance too. Another great book from V.M. Burns.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love V.M. Burns' cozies because it always feels like returning to a group of friends after a time away and you pick up right where you left off.

Lillian Echosby has decided to entry a mock dog show to test the waters with her Poodle, Aggie, before the real deal. Her friend Dixie is a judge and her class coach. During the show, every member of Lilly's class is disqualified due to a long-standing feud between Dixie and the judge, Naomi Keller. We quickly learn Naomi is a bad person and when she turns up dead, Dixie is at the head of the list due to a very public dispute at the dog show.

I appreciate Ms. Burns' writing style because it always feels like you are part of the plot hanging out with whichever gang she is currently writing about (I am a big fan of her Mystery Book Shop series also). I look forward to reading her stories and she creates such wonderful, colorful characters that you want to befriend. She pays attention to detail just enough so you can picture the settings and the characters without overdoing it and her dogs are as much a part of her story as the human characters.

I adore this series and will continue to read them for as long as she writes them. I am looking forward to diving into her next mystery bookshop series next month.

My thanks to Net Galley and Kensington for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sit, Stay, Slay is the fourth book in V. M. Burns’ A Dog Club Mystery series. The storyline is well plotted, and the well-developed characters are likable. The story flows at a steady pace, with humorous moments and an intriguing mystery with enough twists and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.

Lilly Ann Echosby has settled into her new life her move to Chattanooga, Tennessee. She enjoys spending time with her best friend since college, Scarlett “Dixie” Jefferson, a dog trainer and dog show judge, lives with her husband, Beau, and two champion standard poodles. Lilly and her toy poodle, Aggie, recently adopted another toy poodle, Rex. Lilly loves her job as a temporary accountant at the Chattanooga Museum of Art, is dating Dennis “Red” Olson, a Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Officer, and is looking forward to the upcoming closing on her new home. She has two adult children, Stephanie, a lawyer in Chicago who is dating Joe Harrison, a K-9 handler for the Lighthouse Dunes, Indiana police force, and David, a successful actor who lives in New York. In this installment, Dixie arranged for her students and their dogs to participate in a mock/trial run dog show. When the judge, Naomi Keller, disqualifies everyone and intentionally injures one of Dixie’s dogs, everyone is shocked. Dixie has words and threatens Naomi, who is also her rival, after the show, and when Naomi is murdered, Dixie becomes the prime suspect. Everyone, including Lilly’s children who are visiting her, join forces to prove Dixie is innocent and track down the real killer.

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

A terrific addition to a charming series. Love all the dogs. Nice family and friend moments. I look forward to reading the next one.

Lilly is finally going to show her dogs Aggie and Rex! Natalie and Lilly's BFF Dixie haven't seen each other in years but the enmity that characterized their high school years comes right to the front when Natalie is a judge at the show. She disqualifies every single one of Dixie's pooches. Cozy fans know what happens next- Natalie is murdered, Dixie is the prime suspect, and Lilly will gather up their friends to prove Dixie's innocence and find the real killer. I admit to being a fan of this series which features two mature heroines and dogs. I always learn something about showing and or training dogs thanks to Burns. The characters are good, the romance between Lilly and Red is handled lightly, and it's got some chuckle worthy spots. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Don't worry- it will be fine as a standalone and then you, like me, will be eager for the next one.

This is the fifth book in the series and the first one I have read. I picked it up because it's a mystery with dogs, and more specifically dog shows. Lilly Ann is at her first Sanctioned Obedience Match (a pretend dog show.) When one of the obedience judges, Naomi, starts making trouble for Lilly Ann and her friends. Their dog trainer, Dixie, confronts the judge. When she steps on Dixie's dog, the confrontation turns physical and Dixie punches Naomi in the face. Later when she ends up dead, Dixie is the prime suspect. Now Lilly and her cohorts have to find out who killed the nasty Naomi to keep Dixie out of prison.
I love the characters, I went back and read the first one in the series and there is definite character growth. I like that there's a little romance and of course dogs. Her dog and dog show information is accurate without becoming overwhelming (and boring) to the non-dog obsessed reader.
The descriptions of Chattanooga make me want to go and visit.
#NetGalley #SitStaySlay

Lilly Echosby is once again involved in solving a murder. This time, it's personal when her long time friend Dixie is accused of murdering her high school rival who is now a judge in the dog training/obedience world. Lilly has to act quick before the murderer strikes again.

The Dog Club series is a favorite series of mine for many reasons - the mystery, diversity of characters, portrayal of family and friendships, humor and a little romance. Lilly is a relatable character and her relationships with her children, Red and friends are precious to her. The characters are like old friends and the mysteries are well-written and keep you reading. I love that Lilly works in a museum because it provides many interesting storylines. If you want to cuddle up and read a wonderful cozy mystery, here's an excellent choice!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I always have high expectations for this series and I'm never disappointed.
This was an excellent addition to this beloved series.
I was happy to catch up with Lily, Dixie and the cast of characters and I'm happy for the developments in their life.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing till the end.
I appreciated how the author deals with the scarlet woman considering her a victim and not someone to bias and how she developed the characters.
It's a highly entertaining and gripping story, strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Lily Ann Echosby made a new life for herself in Tennessee after surviving a marriage to an abusive cheating spouse. She picked up and moved to Tennessee and only regretted his death as it pertained to her grown children. Her new life came with a new home (to her), good friends and a volunteer position at the local museum….and two poodles.
When a woman her best friend Dixie had just punched publicly was murdered, Lily, along with their group of friends and her boyfriend, policeman Dennis ‘Red’ Olsen, searched for clues and suspects. Another body popped up. Someone with pull was pushing for Dixie’s arrest and they knew it wasn’t her. They found and ruled out suspects, but still had more than one, when their snooping caught the attention of the killer, who decided to eliminate Dixie and Lily as a threat to his freedom.
Well written and engrossing, this cozy has a lot going for it.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion freely.

With two dogs in need of obedience training, Lilly Echosby joins an obedience competition with her instructor and friend Dixie Jefferson. When all of Dixie's "students" are disqualified for no apparent reason during the event. Lilly an Dixie discover their nemesis is judge Naomi Keller. Naomi is determined to spite Dixie for some unexplained reason. When Naomi is found strangled after a very public altercation with Dixie, the police maker her suspect #1.Lilly know Dixie would never kill any one so she and their other friends set out to find the killer. This is a fun series and the characters are people you would want as your friends.