Title/Author: To Catch A Treat / Linda O Johnston
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Date of publish: May 2016
Pages: 312

Carrie Kennersly, veterinary technician and owner of the Barkery and Biscuits bake shop, agrees to a day of hiking with her brother Neal mostly because she wants to meet—and critique—his latest romantic interest, Janelle Blaystone. But instead of judgment, Carrie has only sympathy for Janelle, whose beloved black Labrador, Go, was recently dognapped along with many other purebred pets.

Janelle thinks the culprit is Ada Arnist, a wealthy homeowner spotted at the dog parks where Go and the others were stolen. Soon after Janelle confronts her, though, Ada is found dead. With Janelle and Neal on the suspect list, Carrie must solve the mystery before the police bark up the wrong tree.

Carrie Kennersly, owner of a dual bakery serving both fresh dog treats and treats for the humans who love them has once again gotten involved in a murder investigation. This time her brother’s new girlfriend has been implicated after the woman she accused of stealing her dog is found dead.

Sometimes, I think loving cats is perquisite for enjoying a good cozy. This story is proof that dog lovers can hold their own as the furry best friends are the real stars. Carrie lands herself in the middle of this investigation by rationalizing that her brother may be in the crossfire, but it is obvious that her love of dogs and indignation over the dognappings is what fuels her fire. I do have to admit that this didn’t feel like a cozy as the investigation took an extreme backseat to Carrie’s businesses. There seemed to more information about part time workers schedules than clues. I have to admit that the concept of a canine bakery is an interesting one and the treats as described were mouthwatering even for dog treats.

The story does offer suspects galore and Carrie’s unsophisticated investigation style keeps the story moving. I have to admit the end was a bit of a surprise as I couldn’t which of the suspects I was leaning more toward being the bad guy. This was an quick entertaining read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Linda O. Johnston’s first published fiction appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and won the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for Best First Mystery Short Story of the year. Since then, Linda, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer, has published more short stories, novellas, and 38 romance and mystery novels, including the Pet Rescue Mystery Series, a spinoff from her Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and Harlequin Romantic Suspense as well as the Alpha Force paranormal romance miniseries for Harlequin Nocturne. She additionally writes the Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink. Her latest cozy mystery series, the Barkery and Biscuits Mysteries are also from Midnight Ink.