The Dogfather

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 21 Sep 2018 | Archive Date 25 Jan 2019

Talking about this book? Use #TheDogfather #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

“Sympathetic and delightful heroines.” —King’s River Life Magazine

Who knew the world of designer purses could be such a dog-eat-dog business?

When a local, designer handbags store owner is found dead, the police first believe it’s an unfortunate accident. But the evidence doesn’t lie. Before you can say "wiseguy," Bow Wow Boutique owner, Melinda Langston’s, former fiancé and undercover FBI agent, Grey Donovan, is the prime suspect.

Now the two are working side-by-side to prove Grey's innocence— nothing personal, just business. Or is it? Suspects are piling up, family secrets are exposed, and no one is who they appear to be, including Mel’s newest employee. Time’s running out. Mel better sniff out the killer before she and Grey end up sleeping with the fishes.

Sparkle Abbey is the pseudonym of two mystery authors (Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter). They are friends and neighbors as well as co-writers of the Pampered Pets Mystery Series. The pen name was created by combining the names of their rescue pets—Sparkle (Mary Lee’s cat) and Abbey (Anita’s dog). They reside in central Iowa, but if they could write anywhere, you would find them on the beach with their laptops and, depending on the time of day, with either an iced tea or a margarita. Visit them at sparkleabbey.com.

“Sympathetic and delightful heroines.” —King’s River Life Magazine

Who knew the world of designer purses could be such a dog-eat-dog business?

When a local, designer handbags store owner is...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781611948714
PRICE $7.99 (USD)

Average rating from 28 members


Featured Reviews

Another delightful outing in this fun series! I love the way Sparkle Abbey is able to keep these two distinct characters and their stories going in tandem. This one is Melinda's book, and she and her wacky assistant are off on the trail of a neighboring shopkeeper who takes a header down a staircase. Will Mel get back together with Grey, her FBI agent boyfriend? What will happen with the brooch she keeps passing back and forth with her cousin Caro? Can't wait to find out in the next installment.

Was this review helpful?

I love this book! I love Mel, she is so sweet, beautiful, intelligent, funny, Grey is perfect for her! He is sexy, handsome, intelligent, loving, faithful, and protective! Great characters, great cozy mystery! I could see this as a comedy mystery for Acorn TV! I hope to see more of them as a couple, a kiss would be nice! That, or you need to move this to Young Adults! It would be great either way! I love the Southern witticisms, perfect!
I highly recommend! Thank you Netgalley!

Was this review helpful?

Terrific from the people to the pets to the plot to the locale. The relationships are funny and heartwarming although I didn't enjoy the main character's childish ways. He seemed more sincere in past novels

Was this review helpful?

When a local store owner is found dead, Melinda Langston’s former fiancé and FBI agent, Grey Donovan, is the prime suspect. While working at her store, the Bow Wow Boutique, can Melinda and Grey find the truth before he loses his freedom?
This was a fun little mystery to curl up with on a rainy day. Melinda is a very likeable character, although I think she puts up with a lot from her wacky assistant. The other characters were engaging, but I was confused with the many red herrings the protagonist had to deal with. The plot was twisty and suspenseful. The romantic situation between Melinda and Grey was a great addition to the mystery, and cut the suspense of the mystery, when needed. I can’t wait for the next Pampered Pets mystery. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Was this review helpful?

I received this ARC, via Netgalley, in return for an honest review. This series is such fun! The writing duo of Sparkle Abbey do a great job of alternating stories between two Texas cousins, now based in California, running small businesses and ending up solving murders. This time, it's Melinda's turn. With the help of her unique assistant, and her on/off fiancee, Grey, Mel is solving another mystery that threatens her beloved town. This time, Grey is the one who needs help - his cover is the owner of an exclusive art gallery, while he solves white collar crimes for the FBI. The dead man claimed that a painting Grey sold him was a forgery. The resulting outmode is that Mel has to solve the case, while dealing with their relationship (at the start of the book, it's 'off again' status) and helping him regain both his career and her heart. The usual cast of amazing and fun characters populate this book and it's a great addition to the series. Enjoy!

Was this review helpful?

Love this series!
The characters are remarkably funny and the plot is enjoyable til the very end.
A series of break-ins in the area where our main characters have their store lead to an undercover investigation that could turn into a romantic reconciliation between Melanie and Grey.
Betty has a new project that will keep her busy and secretive.
A murder will make things difficult as suspects keep piling up.

Was this review helpful?

What a delightful cozy mystery. The characters are all well told, especially Betty, what a hoot!
When a local store owner is found dead, it's up to Mel to find the answers.
Forged art work, knock off designer bags and so much more will keep the reader engaged and quickly turning the pages until the end.
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and I enjoyed reading The Dogfather by Sparkle Abbey.
I will definitely be reading more in this fun series.

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

The Dogfather is a solid cozy mystery with great characters, keep-you-guessing suspense, and some romance. I enjoyed Melinda and Grey and how they worked together and tried to navigate their relationship. Plus the story had dogs! I love reading about the dogs and how their personalities shine through in the descriptions and interactions.

I’ve read the first six books in the Pampered Pets Mystery series and enjoyed all of them. The Dogfather can be read as a stand-alone book, but it does help to have some of the backstories from previous books. If you can, start at book 1 and work your way through, but at least try one of the books, you won’t be disappointed. Entertaining, solid, page-turning book and series.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Was this review helpful?

One of my favorite series. Love visiting Laguna Beach. A fun, entertaining, and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the next one.

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful, Dog Based Cozy Mystery
This is the 10th book in the Pampered Pets mystery series. It stands alone quite well. I can say that because this is the first of the series that I have read. The plot is intricate and well done. The reader may have guessed, but won't know the true villain until the author reveals it. The characters are totally believable, as are the dogs. There is quite a bit of humor twisted inside the mystery. While this is the first book by this author that I have read, it won't be my last. I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: