Free Kindle Murder Mystery Whodunit

A Shot In The Bark

A Lia Anderson Dog Park Mystery - Book 1

By C A Newsome.

The friendly neighborhood killer just did Lia a very special favor…

Would you recognize a serial killer if you talked to one every day? Artist Lia Anderson doesn't. Neither do her friends at the Mount Airy Dog Park. The apparent suicide of Lia’s deadbeat boyfriend brings Detective Peter Dourson into the tight-knit group and he's convinced someone is not who they seem. As his investigation uncovers secrets, a grieving Lia fights her growing attraction to the laid-back detective. Meanwhile, a killer lurks, desperate to stay ahead of the investigation—no matter who has to die…

If you like believable characters, a multi-layered plot, and a compelling sense of humor with your intrigue, download this can't-put-down whodunit for a romp through the dog park with Lia and the gang.

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Book Review - A Shot In The Bark

A Shot In The Bark

By C A Newsome

2013

9.5 / 10

Don't be fooled that this is a story about canines solving murders.  No; this is a well crafted and structured mystery whodunnit novel, which I wasn't expecting after I read the blurb on Amazon.  Boy, was I happy to be surprised(?)

I usually don't choose a book if I don't like the opening sentence, then the opening paragraph, as I believe this should give the reader an insight into the story they are holding.  To be honest, I did pick the book for the silly cover and the possibility that the story might raise a smile or two... and hopefully a laugh.  Just recently I've been in serious need of both, so I clicked on the novel's cover on my Kindle...

It was the prologue that gave me the insight the novel may be just a little bit darker than I was expecting as it's the psychopath's viewpoint and the reason behind a previous killing.  This was a wise and daring move by C A Newsome as it adds a deeper element to the story.  In fact, without this reoccurring ingredient, the story would have been a lot weaker.

However, Carol Ann Newsome's lighthearted style of writing helps to keep the reader interested and reading at a steady pace.  As the story progresses she grows and enriches the characters making them more realistic and believable.  To this outcome, I really liked how she gives the reader expanded details of the work which her main character, Lia Anderson, undertakes.  As a son of an artist, this brought me into the story a little more and I could relate a bit more to Lia... as well as giving me a sense of warmth and happiness at remembering my father - Thank you.

Even though this is categorised as a Lia Anderson Dog Park Mystery I loved how Newsome left the detective work to the detectives.  Lia doesn't become an amateur sleuth being helped by her wonder dogs.  The dogs are only secondary to the story, they add a realistic and relatable element... and yes at times you may find yourself "Ahhh"ing.  As for the Dog Park itself, this is where the murder is committed and therefore all of its patrons are potential suspects and witnesses.

I must admit I didn't like the opening paragraphs of the story as they felt a little trite and the flow was slow and awkward, as she introduced Lia to her readers.  This, however, is short lived as by the time you reach the next part of the chapter Newsome has found her footing.  The climax of the story feels rushed, though this could be because of the previous space which encompasses the rest of the novel and I'd grown used to.  Plus in real life, things have a way of creeping up on you and then exploding so fast they appear to have happened in mere seconds.  However, it would have been nice had Newsome slowed down the pace to build tension and suspense which I think the scene needed, instead of speeding it up to build excitement.

Then there's the conclusion which quite a few people didn't like...  Once again, for me, it added another sense of reality and I wasn't disappointed by it at all.  To the contrary, I applaud Newsome for making the decision to go this route.

I would gladly recommend this book to everybody who likes murder mystery whodunits.  Though be forewarned you may not agree with or like the conclusion of this story.

Free Kindle Book - A Shot In The Bark by C A Newsome

Free Kindle Mystery Novel

Mountain Of Lies

The Pack - Book 1

By Jayne Evans

When your life is built on a mountain of lies, the truth can be fatal.

Pinned by a rock slide while conducting an environmental impact study in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, Mia Blackmore figures karma has finally caught up to her. Actually, she’s surprised she got away with her crime this long.

When a rough-looking man with a French-Canadian accent nearly steps on her head, rescue seems just a fingertip away—then the slope shifts again, sending them both hurtling down the mountain.

The slide may have freed the auburn-haired woman, but undercover cop Hudson McClure still needs to keep her safe from the thugs who think he’s one of their own. The gang isn’t going to give up looking for their downed helicopter full of drugs. And, as it turns out, Mia and her decidedly wolfish dog, Neville, are his best shot getting to the crash first.

Mia’s descent into Hudson’s dangerous world is like a landslide she is powerless to stop. Though her talent staying cool under pressure exceeds even Hudson’s own, there’s a hunted look in her evergreen eyes that warns him she’s hiding something—or from something. He just never anticipated her secrets could decide whether they get off the mountain alive…or in body bags.

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