Doggone Murder A Wild & Wooley Cozy Mystery by Brenda Barin

Sometimes a cozy mystery surprises you with more heart than you expect. Doggone Murder blends an engaging whodunit with the tender story of a woman rediscovering her courage, her purpose, and even her voice as a writer all sparked by an injured Scottie dog who quite literally drops into her life. This short, clean read offers warmth, depth, and a mystery filled with red herrings that kept me turning pages.  
 
Doggone Murder

 

About the Book: Doggone Murder

Janet Wild is starting over, divorced, kids grown, and unsure who she is anymore. But when an injured Scottie dog literally falls onto her car, she suddenly has something to care about again. When the veterinarian treating McTavish is murdered the next morning, Janet is pulled into a mystery that forces her to rediscover her courage, her instincts, and even her long‑quiet writer’s voice. With help from her tech‑savvy friend Jennifer and Simon, a seasoned reporter, Janet follows a trail of clues, misdirects, and small‑town secrets that lead to an emotional and satisfying conclusion.

Doggone Murder

 

Book Hookup Review

Doggone Murder was an enjoyable, quick read with more depth than I expected from a cozy. I cared about Janet from the very first chapter. Her loneliness is palpable, and the moment she finds McTavish feels like a turning point, a spark of purpose she didn’t know she needed. Watching her grow from someone who felt lost into a woman willing to do the right thing, even when it wasn’t popular or safe, gave the story real heart.

The trio dynamic works beautifully. Jennifer’s tech skills, Simon’s investigative experience, and Janet’s once‑successful mystery‑writing instincts create a balanced, engaging team. Their interactions add warmth and humor without overshadowing the mystery.

Another thing I really liked is that McTavish is more than a plot device, he’s an emotional anchor, a source of comfort, and a catalyst for Janet’s transformation. His presence adds charm and heart to the story.

The mystery itself is filled with misdirects and red herrings that kept me guessing. The pacing is tight, the clues are fair, and the ending ties up all the threads while still leaving room for another book in the series. It’s cozy in tone but carries emotional weight, making it a satisfying read on multiple levels.

Book HookUp Content Note

The violence in this story happens off‑page, keeping the tone firmly within cozy boundaries. McTavish’s injuries are described clearly but without gore, and the author handles those moments with gentleness and restraint. The book contains no profanity and maintains a clean, accessible feel throughout, offering a cozy mystery that balances heart, humor, and emotional depth while remaining suitable for sensitive readers.
 

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Similar Books You May Enjoy

If you enjoyed Doggone Murder, you may also like:

  • A Borrowing of Bones by Paula Munier — A heartfelt mystery featuring a strong woman, a loyal dog, and a trail of clues through the Vermont wilderness.

  • The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams — A cozy with emotional depth, character growth, and a community of women finding healing and purpose.

  • A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette — Lighthearted, character‑driven, and filled with warmth, humor, and a mystery that keeps you guessing.

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I focus on clean fiction across genres, historical romance, fantasy, suspense, crime, children’s, and more. When books include content that may not be suitable for all readers, I provide clear disclaimers so you can choose wisely.

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