Birds, Puppies, and Murder

Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery, #4

by

Joyce Proell and Brenda Whiteside

Once again, murder comes to town.

Birds, Puppies, and Murder is the fourth book in coauthors Joyce Proell’s and Brenda Whiteside’s fun and highly addictive cozy Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery series, and despite an alteration to the sisters’ birthday plans at the local historic inn, murder still finds its way to Wyatt, Arizona. When Emma and their visiting Aunt Lydia discover one of the clients at Namaste, Nicole’s new yoga studio, murdered and hidden behind a public park restroom, the sisters quickly jump into action to ensure there is justice for their friend. 

The sisters, Emma Banefield and Nicole Earp, are their delightful selves, and there are a few recurring characters to catch up with. Told from the dual points of view of Emma and Nic, the clever story unfolds without laying waste to the previous books, so new readers will be able to slip right into the series without spoiling the earlier adventures. The plot moves swiftly, without downtime slowing things up, and there are plenty of possible suspects to consider for the young woman’s killer. The sisters’ Aunt Lydia, in town for a visit, is a fun addition to the mix, and I enjoyed her spunky personality and seemingly effortless ability to produce the perfect quote from literature or theater to fit the conclusion of her scenes. 

I recommend BIRDS, PUPPIES, AND MURDER to readers of cozy mysteries, especially fans of the previous books in the series. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.