Liz MugaveroRecensioni

new-series, first-in-series, cozy-mystery, culinary, pet-cat, contemporary, Connecticut, amateur-sleuth, veterinarian, small-town, small-business, unpleasant-victims, homeopathic, new-in-town, situational-humor, verbal-humor****

Interesting story full of pets and some very interesting human characters. The investigation is sometimes frantic and other times somewhat sluggish but always fun.
Voice actor Ann Marie Lee gave a good dramatic reading.
I requested and received a free temporary audiobook from Tantor Audio via NetGalley.
Pub Date 13 Feb 2024

good story looking forward to reading more from this author.

Enjoyable cozy set in New England. I haven't read the previous book, but this one sufficiently summarizes past events and describes people and places that readers new to the series won't feel lost. I was surprised that a Halloween-themed book is being published in April; however, the story is entertaining regardless of the time of year.

Mugavero has one stylistic quirk that I found a bit jarring -- she sometimes writes sentences without any subjects, almost like stream of consciousness. Example: Stan frowned. Forgot about water. Picked up her wine and took a long swig. Thankfully, though, such sentences are rare enough--only about 1-2 per chapter--that they didn't significantly impact my enjoyment of the book; they were noticeable enough to get under my skin but not so much as to deter me from reading the rest of the books in the series.

Note: I received an advance reader copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.

When I first saw this book at my library, I was confused and intrigued at the same time. How could there be an entire cozy mystery series about a businesswoman who sells organic dog food in a small town? I'm glad my intrigue won out and that I picked up this book, because it was a very compelling read.

The protagonist, Stan, is grappling with two cases: a death in the present-day that was deemed suspicious and an unsolved murder from over fifty years ago. She believes that both cases are intertwined and sets out to uncover the truth behind them. This made for a very complex and layered mystery. It was probably my favourite thing about this book.

It's impressive that Mugavero inserts so much into the book - the present case, the cold case, celebrity ghost hunters, a doggy wedding, relationship problems, and more. To be honest, I think it was a bit too much for one book, though I can't say I didn't enjoy reading about each of these storylines.

I think the multitude of storylines worked well because the main characters, the side characters, and town were not perfect. It kind of bugs me how some other cozy mysteries present their small town settings as these idyllic utopias (aside from the occasional murder), but Frog Ledge and their citizens aren't like that at all. I thought this made for a more enjoyable and realistic read.

I should note, the title has nothing to do with the case (that I can tell). While animals are certainly important to Stan and her business, it's not an animal-themed mystery in case that's what you were looking for.

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I started this one certain it was going to end up in the big black box, but once I got into it, I mostly enjoyed it. I love the cat and dog angle, and the characters are well done and likeable.

The murder mystery took place in the present but is tied to an old cold case and I don't know what it is that I always find interesting about those. The solution wasn't obvious, but it was an odd setup too because there were never really any suspects and it's never really clear why the police arrested the person they did; an attempt at explanation is given towards the very end, but I didn't buy it.

I already have the next one in the series, so I'll read that but I don't know if I enjoy this series enough to stick with it.½

Kristan "Stan" Connor and her fiancé, pub owner Jake McGee are getting married soon. Stan's sister is dead set on throwing a bachelorette party that Stan doesn't really want. Stan especially wishes the party never happened when a dead body is found inside the gigantic cake. And the killer has used one of Stan's kitchen knives. She recognizes the victim as the young delivery man from the local farm. Now the guest list has turned into a suspect list and Stan is going to find out who the murderer is.

Cute Cover! This was my first read in the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries series. I wasn't lost but of course I could've benefited from reading the first six books, which I will do! I enjoyed the small town, the closeness of the characters and their love for their furry friends. I didn't understand why everyone in town wanted to spill their guts to only Stan. Overall this was an enjoyable read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an ARC.

Yes, I know it's a cozy mystery and it was a quick read and there are things I really like about that genre: the small town, people who have time to stop in and chat for a bit, have a cup of coffee, support a bookstore, and a single cop for the whole town. But. The cast of characters was enormous, the relatives of one being roommates to another, and the confusion this created seemed independent of the plot. Plus, towards the end, there were details that the author wrote in that she didn't follow up on a few sentences later, and that always bugs me in any book. And people who work in the various small businesses (the pup patisserie and the pub) seemed to spend a lot of time out back on their cell phones! Totally a no-no in any work situation!½

Murder, She Meowed is seventh book in A Pawsitively Organic Mystery series. If you have not read any of the previous books in the series, you will not be lost. The author provides the necessary background information for new readers. I like the town of Frog Ledge, Connecticut with its quirky residents and unique shops. Stan has cultivated a wonderful group of friends who have become family to her, and she wants to celebrate her special day with them. Stan is a woman of simple tastes and she does not want an extravagant wedding. Unfortunately, Stan’s mother, Patricia refuses to listen and steamrolls right over Stan’s objections. I did not understand why Jake was not more supportive of Stan. When the wedding planner shows up, Jake ducks out (the chicken). Stan is lucky to have her good friend, Nikki Manning in town. I found Murder, She Meowed to be entertaining and easy to read. I love the adorable cats and dogs featured in the story. Nutty, the Maine Coon cat, is my favorite. I did not like Patricia and Caitlyn ignoring Stan’s wishes. I found it frustrating, aggravating, annoying and many other words ending in “ing”. It is supposed to be humorous, but, as you can tell, I was not laughing. The mystery had several suspects and misdirection to distract readers from the real culprit. The author upped her game with this whodunit (thank you). The ending of Murder, She Meowed is extremely satisfying. I enjoyed my latest visit to Frog Ledge, and I was smiling when I finished this engaging tale. I am giving Murder, She Meowed 4 out of 5 stars. There are pet food recipes at the end. Murder, She Meowed is a delightful cozy mystery with its friendly residents, delectable delights at Izzy’s, adorable fur babies, a wedding and a dead man in red satin undies.

I try to read a "Christmas Mystery" every year around the holidays. I thought this one would be "purrfect" . . . combining pets, Christmas, and mystery. Plus it had the added bonus of pet food recipes at the end! (I often make pumpkin dog biscuits and catnip toys for my furry friends at the holidays.) Unfortunately I found the whole story convoluted and unconvincing. The chef/mystery solver just seemed like a pain in the butt. How can she run/open a pet food business when she's never there? And the supposedly charming little town didn't seem charming at all to me. Probably just not my cup of tea. Mainly reviewing so if I ever think about reading the rest of the series I'll have this to remind me why I shouldn't bother.

A cozy mystery with dogs and even cows. But not talking dogs or cows and with a surprisingly dark turn. I liked it a lot; it filled that spot between cozies and thrillers. I'll read more by this author.

Provided by publisher.

A great addition to the series. Everything is in place to make this a cozy lovers dream. Small town setting, interesting characters of various personalities, a wee bit of a romance, and suspects galore. I was pleased the entire way through. My only minor complaint is the there are a couple of side characters that seemed to just take up space.

Stan Connor and the residents of Frog Ledge are getting ready for the towns Christmas Celebration, when an unthinkable crime happens Santa Claus has been murdered. The victim is Harold Dewey who replaced Seamus McGee who had always played Santa. When Seamus and his friend Ray can't be reached on their phones or located people start to get worried. Ray's wife takes to her bed then gets drunk at the town pub. Seamus's family figure that he is involved in another get rich quick scheme and he dragged Ray into it. Stan finds herself trying to find Harold's killer and locate Seamus and Ray so that everyone can have a Merry Christmas. There is plenty of action and the plot keeps you engaged with it's twists, turns, and clues. I got an advanced copy of this from Kensington books through Netgalley.com

Stan Connor and the residents of Frog Ledge are getting ready for the towns Christmas Celebration, when an unthinkable crime happens Santa Claus has been murdered. The victim is Harold Dewey who replaced Seamus McGee who had always played Santa. When Seamus and his friend Ray can't be reached on their phones or located people start to get worried. Ray's wife takes to her bed then gets drunk at the town pub. Seamus's family figure that he is involved in another get rich quick scheme and he dragged Ray into it. Stan finds herself trying to find Harold's killer and locate Seamus and Ray so that everyone can have a Merry Christmas. There is plenty of action and the plot keeps you engaged with it's twists, turns, and clues. I got an advanced copy of this from Kensington books through Netgalley.com

Purring Around the Christmas Tree by Liz Mugavero is the sixth installment in A Pawsitively Organic Mystery series. Stan Connor is watching the annual Christmas parade in Frog Ledge, Connecticut. Just before the tree lighting, Santa pulls up in his sleigh and then quickly takes off again. When Stan goes to investigate, she discovers that the Santa has done his last ho-ho-ho. People are shocked when they pull off Santa’s beard and it is not Seamus McGee (who always plays Santa). The victim is Harold Dewey, a drunk who spent his winters in Frog Ledge working at a local Christmas tree farm. Who was the intended victim—Harold or Seamus? Matters are further complicated when Seamus and Ray Mackey cannot be located or reached (Char takes to her bed). The McGee family figures that Seamus is involved in another scheme and he dragged Ray into it with him. Stan works to identify Harold’s killer and locate Seamus and Ray. Will Stan succeed in time for everyone to have a merry Christmas?

Purring Around the Christmas Tree is easy to read and has engaging characters. The mystery has several aspects to it, but the murderer is easily identified early in the story (insert disappointed sigh). Most of the investigation consists of Stan running around town asking questions (I just want something more). It is a good thing that Stan has good help (Brenna) or her business would have tanked opening night (since she failed to show up to open the bakery). The cozy aspects are entertaining. Stan is opening Pawsitively Organic Pet Patisserie, picking out and decorating Stan’s Christmas tree, Jake’s extended family is visiting for Christmas, Patricia and Tony are planning their wedding, Caitlyn is adjusting to life in Frog Ledge, and so much more. My rating for Purring Around the Christmas Tree is 3.5 out of 5 stars (I just wish the mystery had been more complex). Jake got on my nerves in Purring Around the Christmas Tree. He became defensive and rude to Stan regarding his uncle, Seamus (Jake does not want to face facts). The zany factor seemed to be amplified in this A Pawsitively Organic Mystery novel. There is always some whacky antics, but the author really turned up the volume on it this time. Purring Around the Christmas Tree (I inserted the title into Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and now the song is stuck in my head) is not a standalone novel. You do need to read the previous books in order to understand the town and the relationships (or you will be lost). Purring Around the Christmas Tree is an entertaining cozy mystery that will leave you singing Christmas carols and wanting to put up your tree early!

More Stan. She's a bit less annoying in this one. Still not a good listener, though. And totally insecure about her relationship with Jake. And his sister. I'm over their nonsense.

The mystery was a bit ridiculous, as you might expect. I mean, there is a dog wedding on the cover, so you shouldn't go in expecting War and Peace. But if you like animals, cozy mysteries, and don't mind ridiculous hi-jinks, you'll have fun with this series.

Stan is slightly less annoying in this book. But not by much. At least the ridiculous theme song nonsense from the first book went away, and she wasn't doing quite as much "ooh, look at what I'm wearing" during this one.

This series is ok, but not great. The story was fine--it's a cozy mystery, so how bad can it be? The small town setting is cute. I like Jake, I think, but we don't get a lot of insights into him. We spend more time with his cop sister who clearly is as annoyed with Stan as I am.

But again, I don't love this series, but I also don't hate it. 2 stars. Since I'm a glutton for punishment I will also read book three. Yeah, yeah, I know. But you know I will.

You know it is a bad sign when the main character annoys you in the first chapter. What is up with all of the "theme song" nonsense? Between that and the constant brand-name dropping and needless clothing / physical descriptions of everyone, I barely soldiered on. Plus, her name annoyed me.

HOWEVER, the mystery was ok enough to finish it without too much eye rolling. I'm down with the whole small-town, organic living, pet loving world. I'm not standing in my kitchen whipping up pet food from scratch with all organic fresh ingredients, but I have enjoyed many a farmer's market in my day. So the setting was quaint, and I enjoyed many of the side characters, even though the author threw in so many that you barely got to know any of them. She did waste half the book on a boyfriend you knew from the first line wouldn't be sticking around for book 2, and that annoyed me. I get it; it sets up the heroine for the small-town love interest in book 2.

This book was just ok. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. 2 stars.

We all know at least one person who would totally dress their dog up as a bride or groom and stage a wedding for them. That's exactly what organic dog food maker Stan Connor is charged with catering in this book. Before the doggie wedding can happen, though, Stan has to deal with the fallout of the Groundhog Day celebration that left the town historian dead. Apparently the organic doggie bakery can also make groundhog treats in a pinch. During the celebration Helga, the town historian, falls down the stairs of the local museum. Stan is convinced Helga was pushed. She goes looking for clues while contending with a pushy newcomer who is trying to take over the town historian job, and the crew of a ghost-hunting show that arrives to film local hauntings.

As is likely evident, this is all a bit nuts, but it more or less holds together. The book is full of eccentric characters, like Stan's overbearing mother and the greasy mayor. The animals get plenty of screen time, and there's a bit of romance, which thankfully doesn't overwhelm the plot.½

Kristan "Stan" Connor lives in Frog Ledge, Connecticut with her boyfriend Jake McGee, owns a gourmet pet food business, and is busy planning the opening of her new pet patisserie. She's also dealing with the fact that her mother Patricia is engaged to the town's mayor, Tony Falco (not Stan's favorite person), and expects her to attend the engagement party. But before she can even leave her home her sister Caitlyn arrives on her doorstep along with her daughter Eva, and expects to stay with Stan 'temporarily'. Stan and her sister have never been close - being polar opposites - yet she decides now isn't the time to deal with it and they head out to the party.

Stan has more surprises waiting for her: when she arrives she finds Eleanor Chung, an old co-worker who now has Stan's job and aiming to gloat; and when Stan escapes her she comes face-to-face with other ex-coworkers, including her ex-boyfriend Richard Ruse. But the surprises don't end there: After a confrontation with Richard he storms out of the house in a drunken stupor and Caitlyn finds Eleanor upstairs - dead in the master bedroom with Patricia's engagement ring in her mouth. To top it off, Richard is arrested for the crime.

Stan knows he's innocent, but needs help to prove it. Unfortunately, that help won't come from Jake's sister, Jessie Pasquale, since she's been removed from the case. It also isn't coming from Tony, who arrived at the party shortly after the murder and isn't telling anyone where he was or why. Yet she's determined to help clear Richard, even if she has to do it alone.

While Stan thought the move to Frog Ledge would allow her to live a nice, quiet existence she's finding that's not so in this book. With her business taking off she's busier than ever; along with Brenna's help she's had to hire a new employee to help out occasionally. And with Jessie temporarily out of commission, she's doing a little investigating on her own, keeping Jessie in the loop and trying to fly under the radar because she's sure the Major Crimes unit knows more than they're saying, and that it all has something to do with Tony.

When she discovers that almost everyone had a motive to kill Eleanor - including her own daughter - it makes it even harder to sift through the suspects. With the evidence pointing toward Tony, Stan wonders just how well anyone knows him, and if her mother might be marrying a murderer...

I found this book to be delightful. What a whirlwind of activity, with poor Stan trying to open her business, find a killer, and deal with both her mother's interference in the planning of her new store (since her mother is an investor she decides it gives her the right) and Caitlyn, who is going through a divorce and being courted by an ex-beau who just won't give up, even though she swears she wants nothing more to do with him (or his misguided attempts to win her back).

As the story progresses, we get to know Caitlyn better as a person, which results in surprises for both Stan and the reader. Stan also discovers some facts about Tony, which makes him more human somehow; and we're drawn into these things as much as we're drawn into Frog Ledge and the rest of its inhabitants. The characters are real, fleshed out people, not cardboard; and it's easy to want the best for this little town, Stan and her friends.

When we do discover the identity of the killer (for we know there is one, after all) I can truthfully say I wasn't too surprised; I had an inkling (but then, I read a lot of mysteries and can pretty much decipher clues along the way), and it was rather sad yet understandable all the same. In all, it was done nicely and believable, and that's what mysteries are all about. Ms. Mugavero has once again given us a mystery we can sink into and enjoy, characters that are lively and quick, and a town I would like to visit. Nicely done and highly recommended.

What a great cozy mystery this was. I started to read the book thinking I would read a few chapters and come back later to read more. To my surprise I really tried to put the book down but it was so good I had to keep reading. I loved the name of the town called Frog Ledge, Connecticut. What a cute little town it is with shops that are welcoming and people who are like family. Well maybe not everyone seemed like family but you will see who I'm talking about as you devour this incredible book.

Kristan or "Stan" as she goes by is getting ready for her big store opening. She has been busy perfecting recipes and desiging the store with help from her mother. That is another story all on its own but we must focus on this mystery for now. Her store will have specialty treats for animals and I love how the author incorporated the need for K9 bullet proof vests and animal shelters in the story. I love animals and I feel in love with the dogs and cats right away. I must say there are some personalities going on with these pets. They make for some fun moments.

I absolutely adored Jake as soon as I read how compassionate and caring he is. Stan has definitely found a good guy and I hope their relationship continues to develop. He runs a pub but always makes sure he has time to be with Stan. Do I hear wedding bells in the future?

Speaking of wedding bells there is a big shindig happening with Stan's mom and Stan's presence has been requested at the party. Stan's mother is marrying the mayor and they are having a grand gala to have the engagement ring blessed. I thought Patricia, the mom was kinda distant and a bit snotty but perhaps she is just wondering why her fiancé hasn't shown up for their party. Did I mention that Stan's sister Caitlyn is staying with Stan? Well off to the party everyone goes. There are quite a few people at the party that Stan would rather not be around and wonders why her ex co-workers are there.

When there is a scream from upstairs the action takes off in this quirky mystery. A woman who really didn't have a friendly disposition is killed. I did have to laugh at all the suspects there were because they could easily fill a living room . When there is an arrest Stan is convinced the person is innocent. Why is she so determined to clear this person's name? The killer for me was easy to figure out but I did enjoy reading about how Stan and her friends join together to help prove someone innocent. There are hints throughout the book who the killer is but I thought the author brilliantly showed them in a discreet way . Overall you are in for a treat with this wonderful story that is funny and has a way to keep readers entertained till the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

Custom Baked Murder by Liz Mugavero is the fifth book in A Pawsitively Organic Mystery series. Kristan “Stan” Connor is working hard on getting everything ready for the opening of her shop, Pawsitively Organic Pet Patisserie and Café, in three months (in December before Christmas) in Frog Ledge, Connecticut. Stan is running late for her mother’s engagement party when her sister, Christine shows up at her home with her daughter, Evangeline in tow. Christine has left her husband, Michael and wishes to stay with Stan (like she has a choice in the matter). Stan is really running late now and quickly changes for the party. Stan is going with her boyfriend, Jake McGee (who owns McSwigg’s). The four of them end up arriving an hour late to the party (Stan was hoping they could skip it altogether). Patricia Connor, Stan and Christine’s mother, greets them (with a comment about their tardiness), but her fiancé, Tony Falco is not present. Patricia failed to tell Stan about some of guests she invited (people she would like to avoid). Richard Ruse, Stan’s ex-boyfriend, along with some of her old co-workers including Eleanor Chang. Tony, the town’s newly elected mayor, hired Eleanor to be his “executive coach”. Eleanor has an abrasive personality, and she seems to make enemies wherever she goes (she is particularly hard on her daughter, Monica). Stan is upstairs with her sister, Caitlyn. Caitlyn stops to freshen up in the ladies room and lets out a scream upon entering the room. There is Eleanor Chang strangled with a scarf with Patricia’s diamond ring between her teeth. Richard Ruse ends up being the main suspect when he stumbles out of the woods in a disheveled and drunken state. Stan will not let Richard be railroaded for a crime he did not commit (just because Tony wants everything wrapped up quickly and quietly). Stan sets out to find Eleanor’s killer and clear Richard’s name. Things are made a little complicated by Christine’s ex-lover, Kyle McLeod arriving in town. He is determined to woo Christine and win her back. Then there is the matter of Patricia and her meddling in Stan’s shop design. Stan knew it was a bad idea to let her invest. Life is never dull in Frog Ledge. Join Stan on her latest adventure in Custom Baked Murder.

Custom Baked Murder is full of quirky, fun characters (even the animals have great personalities). I found Custom Baked Murder to be an easy and enjoyable book to read. I like the small-town setting and various townspeople. There are some definite laugh out loud moments as well as some “oh my” areas. It was nice to catch up with Stan’s family and friends in Frog Ledge. I am happy to see Stan’s relationships with Jake, Patricia, and Caitlyn developing over the course of the series (and especially in Custom Baked Murder). I give Custom Baked Murder 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I found the murder to be one that could be quickly solved by the reader (or an avid mystery reader who loves to solve the puzzles presented in the books). One clue is the key to solving the murder (it’s like there is a big, neon arrow pointing to the killer). There are other small clues in the book that will help the reader discover the culprit’s identity. I wish the mystery had been a little more complicated (more difficult to figure out the killer’s identity). I found the two words “long story” repeated frequently throughout the book. I am also curious about Stan’s trust fund that was mentioned again in Custom Baked Murder. I did not understand why Stan did not tap into this money to finance Pawsitively Organic Pet Patisserie and Café. Why did Stan need investors (Jake and Patricia)? It is mentioned that Stan wanted to live on her own (working) and not rely on her trust fund (I am curious). If you enjoy reading well-written, humorous cozy mysteries with entertaining characters, then read Custom Baked Murder.

2.5
I love cozy mystery books, but for some reason I just couldn't get into this one. I didn't much care for Stan (Kristan), the main character, so that made it hard to really care much about her detecting skills and whether she solved the murder mystery.
That being said, I thought the book was well written it just wasn't for me. I guess you can't love 'em all.

Custom Baked Murder (A Pawsitively Organic Mystery) is the fifth in a cozy series by LizMugvero. I didn't read the other four. That may have been my downfall. I didn't feel lost in the book but I had a difficult time to bonding with the characters. I loved all the animals, dogs and cats in this story and the little girl who fell in love with them, her niece.

It just seems to take to long for the mystery to be solved and since, I didn't hit it off with the characters, I got anxious for movement towards the resolution.

I loved the part about baking the doggie treats and would like to try some of the easy recipes i I had a dog. I was totally turned off by her chilly mother. Not a person that you could easily warm up to. The basic writing was OK, I was just disappointed. The main character Stan Connor considered several suspects but and tried ferret out which ones could have done it but I soon lost interest. Sorry, I would try another mystery by this author, just never the 5th in the series again.

I received this book as a win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in my review.

This is the fourth book in this series, but it is fine to be read as a read alone. I will go back can read the rest of the series as I did enjoy this book and want to read the rest and find out more about Stan (Kristan) and her business and life.

Stan Connor is a pet chef in Frog Ledge, Connecticut. She has agreed to join Sheldon Allyn, a famous celebrity chef, at a weekend getaway along with other chefs to make their specialty dishes for a group of potential investors. One of the chefs will be chosen for a new food Network show of their own. On the first day of the retreat, Stan discovers one of the chefs, Pierre, has been murdered in Sheldon's backyard. The retreat is moved to a local resort and that night, another of the chefs, Kyle, who Stan met on the ride to the retreat, vanishes. When Sheldon's assistant arranges for a replacement chef, she never arrives and is assumed missing as well. Throw in the fact that Stan's sister is involved with the missing chef and things become even more complicated. Stan follows every lead she can get to find the missing man and to find out who murdered Pierre. With the assistance of Jessie, her sister-in-law who is also a Conneticut state trooper, she investigates the chefs and they eventually find out who the murderer is. I did figure out who the murderer was but not until the story was almost over.

I enjoyed this book very much. The supporting characters were hilarious. They were over the top chefs but that just made the whole thing more enjoyable. The character of Stan was honest, loyal, hard-working, smart and had good judgement. She was a great sleuth and I will definitely look for more books in this series.

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

As a gourmet pet snack creator myself, I loved the theme of this cozy, but was annoyed with the main character at times, and the mystery was more disappointing than I expected in the end. The explanation as to why some things had occurred were a little far fetched. Still, the small town setting, the pet theme, and the variety of characters made it worth the read.
As this was the first in series, there was much time spent on set up, so I am looking forward to reading the next book where that will no longer be the case.