peggyemi's review
3.0
I'll start by saying that this review is more about me and my tastes than it is about the author and the writing. I was a fan of Ms. Hawkins when she wrote the Witch's Cat Mystery series under the name Delia James. That series had a paranormal element and I enjoyed it very much, so when I saw she was writing a new series that involved a talking corgi I thought I would give it a try. Unfortunately, this book was just not my cup of tea. It turns out, that while I enjoy the paranormal cozies with animals that appear to have the ability to understand humans, I found that the talking dog was just too much of a stretch for me. The book moves well and is easy to read. The characters are all likable and the mystery keeps the reader's interest. I think those readers who can get past the talking corgi will love this series and come back for more. That is the beauty of this genre. While this book was not for me, there are plenty of other readers who are going to love it.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Berkley, through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Berkley, through Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
sophiassanctuary's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I loved the book so much! Being the first cozy mystery I’ve ever read I was a little nervous, but I’m so glad I read To Catch A Felon! I do think some things were a little odd, but not enough for me to not love it. Oliver was a silly little fellow, and I love the way the author wrote him. I do think the amount of stereotypical British slang was quite off putting. Overall I’m very glad I picked this book up, and I can’t wait to read the second in the series!
meggsreads's review against another edition
I am currently just not in the mood for this book but I will revisit it later.
nymphie's review
4.0
This murder mystery has everything you could want; a curious and clever heroine, a chatty canine companion, a rustic English village straight out of a storybook, a pair of gossipy husbands, a diverse cast of well-developed side characters and suspects, unpredictable twists and turns, and of course, a satisfying resolution to the mystery. I very much enjoyed this book and will most certainly pick up the second when I have a chance!
The chapters in Oliver’s perspective were a delight to read. He communicates and thinks exactly like how you would think a corgi would. He struggles to understand Emma’s human world and tries to make sense of it through smell, which often leads to more confusion for the both of them.
Knowing the end of the story, I realize that the hints and clues were there from the very beginning, but I was not able to put them together and figure out the answer before it was revealed in the story. I’m usually quite good at guessing the murderer in these types of stories, so I’m pleasantly surprised that this one was able to stump me.
My complaints are few, but major. This book takes place in England, but is written by an American author. It truly feels like she tried to throw every English phrase or word she knew into this story to try to make it seem more English. What this actually accomplished was unsettling the reader and pulling them out of the story.
Additionally, the beginning of this book was incredibly slow. It took me about a month to read the first half of this book. Once I made it past that halfway point, I finished it in two days. It’s just…boring. Emma spends more time searching for her dream house and the future location of her tea shop than she does trying to solve the murder. But once the plot eventually picks up, it really takes off and I struggled to put the book down.
The chapters in Oliver’s perspective were a delight to read. He communicates and thinks exactly like how you would think a corgi would. He struggles to understand Emma’s human world and tries to make sense of it through smell, which often leads to more confusion for the both of them.
Knowing the end of the story, I realize that the hints and clues were there from the very beginning, but I was not able to put them together and figure out the answer before it was revealed in the story. I’m usually quite good at guessing the murderer in these types of stories, so I’m pleasantly surprised that this one was able to stump me.
My complaints are few, but major. This book takes place in England, but is written by an American author. It truly feels like she tried to throw every English phrase or word she knew into this story to try to make it seem more English. What this actually accomplished was unsettling the reader and pulling them out of the story.
Additionally, the beginning of this book was incredibly slow. It took me about a month to read the first half of this book. Once I made it past that halfway point, I finished it in two days. It’s just…boring. Emma spends more time searching for her dream house and the future location of her tea shop than she does trying to solve the murder. But once the plot eventually picks up, it really takes off and I struggled to put the book down.
brenna_law's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jitterbun's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I've read two books that i would say best capture the perspective of a dog.
Cujo by Stephen King and this book.
Cujo by Stephen King and this book.
aturb92's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
rynflynn12's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75