This was such a fun read and a great addition to the series. I loved the messages of faith. I also liked guessing whodunit and going along on Cassidy and Jason’s first date.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was another adorable cozy mystery featuring some bark-able characters.

Readers who enjoy mysteries but avoid the action and gore of suspense should enjoy this book and the series. The mystery was interesting and kept me engaged right till the end. The sweet romances with some furry friends in the middle were also sweet.

The series covers various of characters who works for the same animal shelter and vet clinic, but each book can be read as a standalone. Some characters appear throughout the series and if you don’t like spoilers, then I would suggest reading the series in order.

Love this series. Would highly recommend it for anyone that’s a dog person. Characters and story line were great and it kept it interesting. Looking forward to more within the series

A dog has a Z spray painted on its coat, why? The Texas game warden is handsome, but can he help Cassidy put an end to the mystery of spray painted dogs? After all, they are showing up at the Vet's office more and more. Since Cassidy is the office manager at The Lone Star Vet Clinic, she's on a mission to solve this case.

This is a fun story, leaning more to the light side of thing. The romance is sweet and not overwhelming, and the mystery is interesting. It's not devoid of faith elements, and it has references and some of the feel of Scooby-Doo, this makes it a cute dog centered read for a rainy day. I would recommend reading the series in order, this isn't quite a stand-a-lone.

The Bark of Zorro
by Kathleen Y'Barbo
Pub Date 01 Apr 2023
Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction
Christian | Mystery & Thrillers



A copy of The Bark of Zorro was provided to me by Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction, and Netgalley for review:


In book 4 of the Gone to the Dogs series, unwind with your favorite pooch.
 
There are strange happenings in Brenham, Texas, as dogs start showing up at the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic with a Z spray painted on their bodies. Cops blame pranksters, while pet owners blame each other. Cassidy Carter uses her social media skills to catch the culprit, but Texas game warden Jason Cameron thinks online media attention is not necessary. It's bad enough that reality TV cameras follow him around.

After Cassidy's post goes viral, more dogs are painted and her new home is also marked with a big Z. How could her good intentions have backfired so badly?


The Bark of Zorro earns five stars from me!


Happy Reading!

An engaging fun mystery involving several dogs that show up with the letter Z painted on their side. Cassidy, office manager of Lone Star Veterinary Clinic and volunteer of Second Chance Ranch Dog Rescue team, is such a fun character as she uses her amateur sleuthing skills to try to find out who did it. This was an adventurous fun read for sure as she tries to solve the mystery that began with her out on one dark and stormy night. I surely enjoyed reading about her newfound relationship with Jason, the Texas Game Warden, and how they stumbled into each others’ lives.
I love reading these kinds of cozy mystery books that are full of witty humour and flow so easily. I look forward to reading more from this author and suggest to read on a warm sunny day with a hot cup of coffee! I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎☕︎
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Jos 24:15

Who is spray painting the dogs in Brenham, Texas? That’s what Cassidy and Jason are going to try and find out in book #4 in the Gone to the Dogs book series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series as each book is always a cozy read with a little bit of romance. They’re just a good time!

In this book, dogs start showing up at the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic spray painted with the letter Z on them. Cassidy works at the clinic and she is trying to solve this mystery using social media and her own investigating. Then we have a handsome Game Warden, Jason Saye who comes in to help. He also has reality TV cameras following him around and that makes for some awkward situations🤣 Cassidy and Jason form a little romance, go on a couple dates, all while trying to figure out this little mystery.

I really liked Cassidy in this book- she is definitely a favorite color. I didn’t love Jason as much throughout the story but he grew on me. I loved their first date experience, I haven’t seen that in a book before. The mystery in this one was interesting and I really liked the ending. Excited to get to the next book. Thank you to the publisher for providing an e-book copy to honestly read and review.

This cute cozy mystery will appeal to anyone, not just dog lovers. I’m not a dog person but I enjoyed this story. It was fun, relaxing, and intriguing.

Good characters will pull you into the story. Cassidy and Jason were well written, as were the secondary characters. We learn that there’s more than meets the eye with most people. And of course if you like dogs you’ll like the ones in this story.

I tried to puzzle out the mystery along with Cassidy and her friends, following the clues along the way. However, as you’ll find out, it’s not something simple to solve. (I won’t say more as I don’t want to give it away.) But if you enjoy a cozy mystery then you’ll enjoy The Bark of Zorro.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Here’s another fun story filled with dogs and trouble. Filled with suspense and some humor, the lives of these beloved characters from Brenham, Texas, and the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic. Throw in a handsome game warden who helps investigate the crimes involving canines and stars on live TV, and partner him with Cassidy Carter, the vet office receptionist and a social media maven, and you have the making for some romping adventures and perhaps a romance. The doggie tale may seem a bit farfetched, but it’s easy to suspend belief and join in on the wild escapades. The winning characters and intriguing plot make a great read. I do suggest reading the books in this series in order for maximum enjoyment, but each novel can stand on its own (but have continuing characters). Don’t you wish there was such a great vet clinic and dog rescue near you? I received a copy from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #Thebarkofzorro #NetGalley

I am enjoying this collection of books about a small town in Texas, a veterinary clinic and all the wonderful characters that I’ve met in this fourth installment of Gone to the Dogs Mysteries. Cassidy Carter, who manages the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic, finds herself engrossed in a strange mystery. Dogs are running rampant all over town with white Zs painted on their sides. She gets in trouble with the local game warden when she is accused of breaking into a locked gate to rescue a lost and frightened little dog, who just happens to have a Z painted on his side. Others are spotted and called in to the authorities. What is the motive and who is doing this to these poor creatures?
As possible suspects are listed, Cassidy tries her best to solve this but Jason the game warden insists she stay out of it for her own safety. Oh boy! These conflicts that form between these two add to the tension but also some humor and fun.
A little heart palpitation at times, a chuckle here and there and a mystery that had me puzzled for the majority of the book added to this reader’s enjoyment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

This series is not only cute but keeps getting better and better. I am always happy to visit with this group of animal lovers and their family, friends, and loves. This is Cassidy's story; she is best friends to Mari from the first book.

On Valentine's Day, Cassidy volunteers to step in for Parker and Mari while they have a romantic date. She is on call for any animal rescue emergencies, and she gets one. On a dark and stormy night, literally that is when she had to go out. Her cute Scooby Doo references made the scene all the more comical even when she was sort of breaking the law and running away, with the dog, from the creeper. The next day things seem to be looking up for Cassidy. Her home search looks like it has ended in a dream come true and she has met the most gorgeous game warden, Jason who asks her out, after giving her a couple of warnings per his job as a police officer.

Everything is looking up even though she has got this mystery on her hands. Who sprayed painted a white letter 'Z' on her rescue pup Spot and why? As more mysterious cases come in of spray-painted dogs, Cassidy becomes a bit of a hometown celebrity. What crazier things can happen? This was a fun cozy mystery with a touch of romance, friendship, and furry friends to get lost in.

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

This is book four in the Gone to the Dogs Mysteries series. In this book, we focus on Cassidy who is the office manager of the vet office. And there might be a handsome game warden too. Oh, and dogs getting spray painted.

The characters are wonderful and engaging. The mystery is sweet and cozy. There is some romance in the book. Plus of course the danger of the mystery. No cussing or inappropriateness. I would say older teens and adults will love this book. I wouldn’t let anyone younger than high school read the book.

You should definitely read this series in order. Start with book one and read through the series. Maybe power-read them all in one day, or a weekend if you can’t do a full day.

Highly recommend not just this book but the entire series!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I loved this cozy mystery! It has delightful characters, two challenging mysteries, and is set in Brenham, Texas. This engaging group of pet lovers are involved with the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic and the Second Chance Dog Ranch. Each novel in this wonderful series focuses on a different person or couple with a mystery related to the clinic or dog rescue. I like the consistency of setting and characters in this series even as we get to know each person’s perspective and how they fit into the group. They are people of faith, yet they live it out without overwhelming the plot or preaching to the reader.

Cassidy is the office manager at Lone Star and volunteers with Second Chance. I really like her and am glad to get to know her better. On Valentine’s Day, she and the unattached ladies who work for the veterinary clinic watched the same movie at their respective homes and texted each other throughout. That night, in a downpour, Cassidy received a text for her first solo dog rescue.

The dog is in a place posted as no trespassing and she had to break a lock on the fence trapping him so she can get him out of the storm. She took the sweet, muddy pup home to bathe. Until his owner is found, she would call him Spot. She is startled to discover a letter Z painted on his side. Over the next few days, more incidents of painted pups come to light, most of which are or become associated with the clinic or rescue.

Soon after the rescue, Cassidy met Jason, a game warden and member of the state police. They hit it off within moments, and despite their differences, began to see each other. One of their challenges is that he does not want her to search for who is painting Zs on dogs. Also, a producer is filming Jason on and off his job for the reality show Texas Law: Real Life. They will continue to film him in his job only if Cassidy will agree to let them follow the two when on dates.

Cassidy put a deposit down on a loft that she is getting for an amazing deal and will rent-to-own until the sale closes. One of her friends is buying the storefront downstairs, also at a great price. At least until one of their suspects has a set of keys for the loft and the storefront that he claims he purchased.

I read many cozy mysteries, and having men and women of faith is an added attraction for me. The characters are genuine with the exception of a couple suspects. Jason was not one of my favorite people at first. To me, he was a little too overbearing and stern. He is, however, open and up front about his concerns. I appreciate that no humans or canines were killed in the making of this cozy, demonstrating that a murder doesn’t have to occur for a mystery to be interesting and intriguing. Sorting through suspects for the real whodunit was not easy, as there were several potential suspects. I was surprised at whodunit and why! The ending was overall very satisfying, and I highly recommend it to people who enjoy well-written Southern cozy mysteries with dogs, veterinary clinics, dog rescues, and gently-presented spiritual principles.

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

This was a fun cozy mystery. I liked that the story was light hearted and I really enjoyed the characters. I liked that the characters where trying to figure out who was painting the dogs and I liked how they solved the case together. I thought this story was fun and that the town would be one I would like to visit. I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions with each other. I loved the sense of community in this book and how everyone looked out for each other. After reading this book I would like to read the other books in the series so I can get to know some of these characters better.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This is book 4 of the Gone to Dogs series, Christian Mystery read. This is the story of Cassidy that works at the Lone Star veterinarian clinic. When she finds dogs that have been spray painted "Z" on them, she wants to know who and why this is being done. She meets new game warden, Jason and they team up to find out the mystery. As they find themselves attracted to each other during their search, will they find love? Can they solve the real reason this is happening? What is the meaning behind the mystery?

If you enjoy a cozy mystery, this is a book for you. It is book 4 of the series and should be read in order they were written, however, it can be read as a stand alone if you don't plan to read the series. It is a good series and great for dog lovers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Middle of the road cozy mystery, the solution to the mystery was poorly done. A minor side character mentioned once is suddenly the bad guy didn't work for me. The faith content was the gentle, everyday type that I prefer in my novels.

I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

The Bark of Zorro is the fourth installment from the multi author series, Gone to the Dogs. This addition is written by the talented, Kathleen Y'Barbo. I have enjoyed the previous books from the series and this one is no different. I wanted to keep reading to find out what is going on with the poor painted pups and seeing who done it. It was a delight to read that had me intrigued from start to finish.

I am giving The Bark of Zorro five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean suspense and mystery fiction. I am looking forward to reading the next installment from the Gone to the Dogs series, Janice Thompson’s Every Dog Has His Day, as well as, any new releases by Katheen Y’Barbo.

I received a paperback copy of The Bark of Zorro from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Canine mystery strikes again in Brenham....

There is no doubt that I love the Gone To The Dogs Mysteries! It has everything you could ask for in a Christian cozy mystery series – mysterious goings on, humor, romance, and...dogs! Hey, what more could you ask for, right?

The Bark Of Zorro is the fourth book in this fun series and it was every bit as good as its predecessors. Kathleen Y'Barbo struck the perfect balance between crazy antics and puzzling mystery with this one. I had a grand time trying to figure out who could be behind the strange things going on in Brenham. The romance was well done as well, a little more noticeable than in some of the previous books but I think it was just right and matched the story.

If you are as much a dog fan as I am and you love a good cozy mystery, I would readily recommend the Gone To The Dogs Mysteries series – most definitely The Bark Of Zorro from Kathleen Y'Barbo included. It's a fun series and a great way to spend a few hours...

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

When dogs start showing up with a strange marking painted on them, Cassidy is determined to get to the bottom of it.

A fast paced cozy mystery, with an engaging plot and wonderful characters. I loved seeing the familiar faces from previous books, as well as meeting Jason a game warden who helps Cassidy with the case. It was fun seeing Jason and Cassidy's chemistry in front of the camera, as well as how well they work together despite their differing opinions.

An enjoyable book from beginning to end, filled with action, mystery, and adventure. Such a fun read, with great characters, and a riveting plot that kept me guessing throughout. Definitely worth picking up!

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