I thoroughly enjoyed this cute lighthearted book that Janice wrote. Marigold is a Vet Tech working at a Veterinarian office with Tyler who she adored. Parker, her best friend, also worked as a Vet Tech in the office and he was always there to help her with anything she did. Marigold's passion and desire was to start a rescue for dogs that were abandoned, or not taken care of. The story starts out with her rescuing a mangie dog from a pipe...little did Marigold know she would end up being found by a police officer...boy did she have to try and save herself from that situation and she did and the doggie. This book is filled with laughter and fun. It was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey! This is my honest opinion, for my honest review.

This intriguing cozy mystery is fun to read and funny too at times, plus it oozes with suspense as readers join the amusing characters to find out who could be behind the crimes. I’d call this a quirky “Who done it?” The author did a great job developing the characters, including the canine cast. And the plot and situations the story navigates keeps you on the edge of your seat. The main setting is a veterinary clinic, where the main characters work. The tale also includes some romance, which connects with the drama and dilemmas. So, join vet tech Marigold Evans and her delightful fellow crew in their wild experiences along with her family quandaries. I enjoyed all the action and interaction and look forward to the next book in this compelling new series. What a great concept—dogs and daring crime solving. I received a copy through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. #OfftheChain #NetGalley

Her heart has truly gone to the dogs...

It's been awhile since the last time I read a Janice Thompson book but what better way to dive back in than a charming cozy style mystery series featuring dogs of all shapes and sizes?! Off The Chain is the first book in the Gone To The Dogs Mysteries series and I must say that this first book was as adorable as the name of the series promised.

Janice Thompson's first-person narrative style was excellent and the perfect fit for Off The Chain. I fell in love with Marigold 'Mari' and all of her crazy quirks right from the start. She may be an accident waiting to happen and one step away from being arrested for...climbing around inside a sewer, errr, drainage pipe...but her antics are funny and you can't help but chuckle aloud.

The mystery in this story was light and the romance subtle allowing readers to be just as Gone To The Dogs as the fictional characters at the Lone Star Vet Clinic were. I found the entire book to be easy reading and just right for a quiet afternoon at home.

From reading Off The Chain it is obvious that the author loves dogs and has a heart for rescue and it shines through on every page. The tale is definitely entertaining but it is also a great reminder anyone can help out their local rescue(s) whether it is fostering, volunteering, attending fundraisers, or simply making a donation.

Any and all dog lovers will be charmed by the start to the Gone To The Dogs Mysteries series just as I was. There is no doubt that Janice Thompson has a really winner here! Now I have to impatiently wait for the next book to come out...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I thoroughly enjoyed Off the Chain by Jan Thompson. This first in a new series by Barbour, each cozy mystery written by a different author, is a smashing success in my book. Here’s why:

Faith. I didn’t have to worry about bad language. While I love cozies, what I read is limited because of either bad language or inappropriate bedroom scenes, neither of which are present in this book, nor do I expect them in this series. This is a book and series where faith is very real part of story. There are many mentions of prayers for specific needs, and God’s answers. “Just pray about it, Marigold. God’s got an answer for you.”- I love this advice from one friend of Mari’s. As one radio counselor recently reminded her audience, ‘Instead of taking problems to everyone else, take them to God. He’s the One with the answers!’

Friends. I loved the group of vet clinic workers who actually are friends and supportive of each other. You can see that they will make a great character base in the little town (another must of a cozy) of Brenham.

Hilarity. Another cozy must-have. This one has it in spades. While situations may be ridiculous, that doesn’t stop the genuine laughter from erupting often. Score again.

Animals. Specifically, rescue dogs. And they are a main focus of the story, not just a sideline or afterthought. If you are a dog lover, this book just became irresistible for you(It will actually hook you on the first page).

Romance, loss, and an eccentric grandma. These all feature well into our novel and help round it out to be the great experience it is! Don’t miss this one!

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley, plus I bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

A chain reaction of misunderstandings and mishaps only gets worse when the vet clinic that Marigold and Parker work at is vandalized.

Marigold is passionate about her job and helping animals, her dream is to open a pet rescue to help animals in need. She is determined to find the perpetrator as she works toward her dream with her dependable friend Parker by her side at every turn. I loved how this experience helps Marigold step out of her comfort zone and make new friends and connections, with humor and a community full of wonderful characters along the way. I liked the close knit workplace, community of faith, and the adorable animal friends, especially Mr. Bojangles.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, getting to know the townfolk, as well as following Mari throughout her days as she works to solve the case, find Mr. Bojangles a home, and make her dream a reality. A fun-filled, light-hearted read that brought a smile to my face.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This delightful book about Marigold Evans, a vet technician, who has a dream of owning an animal rescue finds when she rescues her first abandoned pooch, that through a series of mishaps, she almost ends up in jail. Fellow worker, Parker Jenson comes to her rescue as he seems to have to do many times.

Mysterious actions, laughter, faith, so many aspects make this a truly fun read. I highly recommend it to others. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishers and NetGalley.
The opinions expressed are my own

This fast-paced cozy mystery is the first in a new series. I was not sure if I would like it due to the banter between Mari (Marigold) and her best friend Cassidy in the first chapter. We open to see Mari, a dedicated young veterinary technician, crawling in a drainage pipe on her first dog rescue. She is an animal lover with the goal of opening a dog rescue and caught my attention immediately. When a police officer suspected they were homeless and tucked them into the back of his patrol car to take to the homeless shelter, their ongoing conversation was not what I expected for the seriousness of the situation. Oh, am I glad I kept reading! These young women are usually serious in any situation that requires it, are fiercely loyal to each other, and ultimately are Christians who walk their faith without preaching it. The banter soon was exchanged for more normal communication.

The police officer was taking them to meet Mari’s close friend and fellow vet tech, Parker, with her spare apartment key. When he got a call to go to a break-in at the veterinary clinic where they both work, they had a back seat view of the action. Someone had shattered the huge front window. Tyler, the head vet and owner of the clinic arrived with the key so the officers could enter the building. Parker arrived at the clinic as well; he and Tyler worked on the pup that Mari rescued.

Mari, Cassidy, and Parker want to know who committed the burglary at the clinic that is only six months old, and they already have a short list of possible suspects. One is the ex-boyfriend of Isabel, one of the groomers, another is Cameron, a veterinary school friend of Tyler’s. There is even a client who may have been involved in the break-in and burglary. In the meantime, the office is continually harassed by the CPA whose office abuts the clinic. Not only does he hate dogs and threaten the little one Mari rescued for barking, but he has a parking lot full of clients on any given day.

I enjoyed Mari’s ideals and priorities. She is dedicated to Grandma Peach, her late mother’s mother. She has a plan to be able to one day purchase a piece of land with a house on the property for her and a barn for the rescue dogs, called the Second Chance Ranch. The clinic where she works has primarily Christian staff, which makes a huge difference in how they work together and treat each other and their clients. I came to appreciate and become invested in most of the characters as well as their goals regarding pet care. Beau Jangles, the precious pup Mari rescued and fell in love with even while trying to find his owner, is irresistible! The day arrived, however, when his owner came into the clinic.

The mysteries were not complex yet kept me guessing throughout. I was stunned to learn the depth of criminal activity the CPA was involved in. I appreciate the level of faith demonstrated, especially by Mari, and Parker, as well as each person taking things to the Lord in prayer. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries with faith, endearing characters, and irresistible dogs.

From a thankful heart: I received an electronic ARC of this novel from Celebrate Lit and the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

3.5 Stars

Off the Chain by Janice Thompson is the first book in a new cozy mystery series.
The book starts off well with Mari caught in a pretty humorous situation as she attempts her first dog rescue (especially once the police show up). From there, readers are introduced to Mari’s friends and co-workers when the vet office she works at is vandalized.

I liked Mari for the most part (although her pining over her boss got a little old). Thompson gives us a peek into her personal life with her health-nut grandmother and her country music star aunt.

Even with a couple suspects and some red herrings thrown in, the plot was so predictable I didn’t find myself completely engaged. There were also some story threads left unanswered, but since this is a series, I’m hoping we get those tidied up down the road.

If you’re a dog lover or just need a more mellow read after a book hangover, Off the Chain might be the right read for you.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

I didn't notice the Christian tag until after I read it. It didn't come off as preachy, which some Christian fiction can. It was a clean, sweet, cozy mystery. A little heavy on the "God will provide' and "pray about it", but a good fun read nonetheless.

I received this book right before it got archived and was unable to provide a review. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity; I will see if I can purchase the book later and provide a review on Goodreads instead. Given that I couldn’t read it, I will provide 3 starts. If I get a personal copy soon, I will revise my review.

I really found myself enjoying this cozy sort-of mystery even though there was no murder. I got invested in the characters as I read and really cared about what happened to them. To keep my interest though, there were some smaller side mysteries and situations that happened. But it all had such an awesomely happy ending! Not gonna lie, I might've leaked some happy tears here and there as different situations played out. It was very hard to put the book down!

Even though I'm first and foremost a cozy murder mystery fan, every so often a book like this comes along, and as along as the wrongdoers in the book are all taken care of and made to pay for what they did, or sometimes a character changes and isn't as bad as originally led to believe--then all's right in the book. I'd absolutely read more about these characters in a follow-up book, although I'd still want there to be some intrigue and some type of a problem or mystery to solve. ;) I just couldn't have been more satisfied with the outcome of the book and how everyone in it shared the same values I do (and love of dogs!).

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Janice Thompson's delightful cozy mystery, Off the Chain, is written in her signature witty way. Thompson's tales elicit chuckles, belly laughs, warmth from the religious components and a lot of contemplation.

Marigold "Mari" Evans, one of the major characters, is caught in a drainage pipe while attempting to rescue a dog. When a local police officer tries to save her, he misidentifies her as a homeless person, causing chaos and mayhem. This is only the start!

Grandma Peach, Mari's grandmother, was one of my favorite characters. With her wisdom and penchant for making dog costumes, she's sure to steal your heart. She is a genuine "character," who is just zany enough to be endearingly funny and lovable.

If you love animals, you are certainly going to enjoy Book One of the “Gone to the Dogs” series, Off the Chain.

I received a review copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Off the Chain is a very cute, sassy Southern cozy mystery that was just the book I wanted to read but didn't know it. The very first few pages find our heroine in a very tight and nasty situation that turns into a very humorous state of affairs. But Marigold's night, nor life is going to get any easier for the time being. Just when she has rescued a cute, but in need of a bath puppy, there is a break in reported at the veterinarian clinic where she is a vet tech. Marigold, and her friends and coworkers have a bit of a mystery on their hands.

Who could possibly want to vandalize the vet clinic, especially when it helps the community so much? Well, believe it or not Marigold and her coworkers actually can get quite a list going. But again, who and why?

Not only is there a mystery brewing, but Marigold is really crushing on her boss Tyler who may or may not have feelings for another vet. However, Marigold's grandmother has her opinions about Parker, Marigold's friend and fellow vet tech. So, there is a bit of love triangle of sorts that makes the story all the more interesting.

This was a fun cozy mystery with an adorable pup that was lighthearted and had me giggling throughout.

I received a copy of this novel by the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

When Marigold finds a puppy in a storm drain she had to go in and rescue him. The pup was wet and very dirty. When police officer Dennison comes upon the situation Marigold has some explaining to do. She takes the pup to Lonestar Veterinary clinic to be checked and get a grooming done also to find out if he is chipped. Mari had left her keys and I’d inherit car that gets towed away. When they get to the clinic the see that the large plate-glass window that framed the lobby was smashed in multiple places. Among the possible suspects are Maggie Jameson a client upset over the death of her dog Jasper who lost his fight with diabetes, Matt Foster ex-boyfriend of receptionist Isabelle who threatened harm and the corner neighbor of the clinic who had issues with the dogs. Marigold hopes one day to open her own rescue and is looking to get property to open it on. This is a very enjoyable story that pet lovers can relate to. Great characters and lots of twists. I highly recommend it.

What’s not to love about this delightful, witty, heart-felt story with endearing characters I enjoyed hanging out with and rooting for. The love of everything animals shine through as the author shares the main character’s dreams. Marigold Evans hopes to one day create a refuge for these lost animals. Currently, she works as a vet tech at a clinic in Texas. She was thrilled to be on her first rescue mission, to save a scared young pup stuck in a pipe. Things don’t exactly turn out as planned, but Evan (her faithful friend) helps her to get the job done.

I enjoyed this fun-loving, cozy mystery as Marigold and friends try to track down the person responsible for messing up the clinic and whose threatening its very existence. Marigold knows how good it feels to rescue lost and hurting animals and shares that vision with her grandmother. It helps the grieving process for them both to share her aspirations. In doing so, she learns valuable information about a person that has been a thorn in many people’s sides, not just the Center’s. Come to find out, this guy has gone to Grandma’s church for years, so she knew him well. Marigold (and the reader) learns more than expected. Grin!

The second book in Gone to the Dogs series is titled, Dog Days of Summer by Kathleen Y’Barbo. This is a fun escape. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

From the moment I read the first page, I could feel the author’s personality shine. She has a gift for writing funny stories that are nothing short of pure and clean entertainment with a clever wit and characters that I want to be best friends with. I love the setting of the story since I am very familiar with it. I was thrilled about the storyline and how the author incorporated a passion she has for rescuing dogs into a book that I couldn’t put down.

Mari is everything you would want in a friend. She is kind, sweet, caring, faith filled and has a special compassion for animals. It does not go unnoticed by her friend Cassidy that Mari has this gift of cheering up others . Being friends has helped both of them come to rely on each other. Who better to take on a rescue than your best friend? After their first rescue I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s not everyday you crawl into a drain pipe and find an officer waiting on you as you exit with a sad and stinky looking dog. The more Mari tried to explain what was going on the more the officer was convinced she was homeless. The circumstances did seem a bit questionable but it only gets better as the clinic she works at has just been broken into. The author gives us a very honest look at how a veterinary clinic operates as all types of animals are seen. There are the aggressive animals that no one is thrilled to see and then there is this sweet little rescue named Beau Jangles that melted my heart.

The suspects start adding up as the break in at the clinic starts to reach a danger for some. Is it the cranky man next door who is a CPA? He is not nice and is not shy about letting people know that he is not a fan of animals. Could it be the ex boyfriend of someone who works at the clinic? My interest was piqued as more strange things started happening.

My review would not be complete without mentioning Grandma Peach. Mari has a special relationship with her grandmother and I loved when they would get together and share about their lives. Grandma Peach has this knack for saying what needs to be said and she is always encouraging Mari with her dream of opening a rescue shelter. Mari is still grieving the death of her mother and being around Grandma Peach helps her in moments of remembering the good memories of her sweet mom.

The author gives readers a look at characters who have big hearts for animals. It was easy for me to picture myself visiting the clinic and become part of Mari’s rescue group. There are some funny moments in the story and a taste of Texas that made me want to grab a Dr. Pepper and a big bowl of Blue Bell Ice cream. What I really enjoyed about the story was the group of characters that came to depend on each other and reach out to a few that needed friendship. The theme of trusting God flows throughout the story. I am thrilled to know that there is a new book coming in this series because I feel like I have found a new family to follow and grow spiritually with.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

A fun read for sure that will keep you turning the pages and that will have you giggling in some places of this sweet novel.
I hadn't heard or read anything from this author in quite awhile so I was excited to see this novel by her.
Delightful characters that seem realistic enough that you will want to make friends with.
I thought the plot was wonderful! A bit too far fetched at times but it was what I loved about it.
The protagonist will make u laugh at times. I liked her. She was my 2nd favorite just bc of who and how she is. Everyone can be judgemental at times. This character is no different.
The author gives her to us as a reminder that no one is perfect. That's was what I liked about her.
In my opinion however it was the little dog that stole my heart and the show.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a delightful novel, one especially of interest to dog lovers. The plot is centered around a veterinarian clinic. There are relationship issues with some of the people who work there. It appears someone wants to damage the business. And there is a crazy business owner next door who hates dogs, and people too it seems.

I liked the characters. Marigold is a sweet young woman. She has a heart of gold. Though her intentions are good, she often gets into a bit of trouble. And she sometimes hurts others with her unregulated mouth. Somehow God causes her missteps to always work out, however. I really liked her grandma. She makes a mean cabbage soup and home made fiber balls, to keep you as regular as a clock.

I liked all of the information on dog rescue and foster care and more. There is a great spiritual lesson included in how things work out. This is an engaging novel illustrating how God can work everything out for good. There's humor, a nice romance, and good characters, both human and canine. A fun novel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I was really looking forward to this book based on the blurb but unfortunatly it did not live up to my expectations. Marigold was a little too ditsy and all over the place for me. The dialog and characters just fell flat for me and the mystery well... it wasn't much of one.

Marigold “Mari” Evans is a veterinary technician who wishes to start a dog rescue in Brenham, Texas. Mari finds herself in a drainage pipe rescuing an injured pup. Mari and her friend, Cassidy end up in the back of a police vehicle after their escapade. The officer does not believe their story since they cannot provide identification (Mari’s car disappeared while she was in the drainage pipe). Then the officer receives a call to the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic where Mari and Cassidy work. Someone vandalized the clinic. There are a couple of potential suspects. Mari is determined to learn who is behind the attack while continuing her work at the clinic and getting her rescue operation off the ground. Off the Chain by Janice Thompson is the debut of Gone to the Dogs Mysteries. Off the Chain is a lighthearted cozy mystery. We meet Mari Evans who has a dream of starting a non-profit dog rescue called Second Chance Ranch. We follow Mari as she goes about her day-to-day activities. She is also working with her adorable rescue pup, Beau Jangles and trying to figure out who is behind the break in at the vet clinic where she works. I did feel that the characters lacked development. Beau Jangles is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Mari’s grandmother, Grandma Peach is a quirky character. She is lively and dispenses advice (whether you want it or not). There is plenty of activity going on in the story which makes it lively. The mystery was straightforward. There are a couple of suspects and red herring or two. I wish the solution had not been so obvious. I like how the group arrived at the answer I would have liked a stronger mystery (and for it to be the focus of the story). Off the Chain is a Christian cozy mystery. The faith element is woven throughout the story. There is talk about faith, church, and God as well as prayer and scripture. Mari has a crush on her boss, Tyler. Tyler, though, seems to be getting cozy with the new veterinarian. There may be someone else who is meant for Mari. I was not a fan of all the romance and ogling (every cute guy was eyed). I like how the community rallies to help Mari with her dog rescue. I enjoyed the Southern references (they will have you chuckling). I just loved all the dogs in the story (real cutie pies). Off the Chain has humor, faith, mystery, and romance. Off the Chain is a quirky Southern tale with drainage pipe rescue, a dancing dog, beautiful blue eyes, wrecked windows, suspicious suspects, a dog dilemma, and an unforeseen find.