Book Review: Poison and Pooches (Dog-sitting Mysteries Book 1) by J.L. Wilson
I dove into Poison and Pooches with a heart full of expectation, hoping for a delightful mix of cozy mystery and canine charm. After all, who wouldn’t want to unravel a murder mystery with a lovable pooch by their side? J.L. Wilson’s enchanting title had me envisioning poodles named Sir Wigglebottom, fresh-baked treats, and a series of mishaps in a picturesque small-town setting. What I discovered, however, was a wild ride filled with unexpected twists, quirky characters, and yes, a body lurking beneath the floorboards—an experience I definitely wasn’t prepared for.
Our protagonist, Arial Mayes Kingston (the full name gives me life), inherits a quirky property in Monterey from her great-grandmother, ready to embrace a tranquil new chapter. The reality? A whirlwind of termite trouble, a sketchy guest house situation, and the shocking discovery of a corpse—essentially, the cozy mystery trifecta. While I anticipated pacing that was fast and frothy, I found it lagging in a few spots, with scenes meandering like I was stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle on a winding road. For a significant chuck of the book, I felt like I was navigating a property management listing rather than a suspenseful caper, with the murder reveal happening surprisingly late in the narrative.
Arial herself is an intriguing character, but she embodies the “vibes first, logic later” ethos in a way that occasionally tested my patience. Watching her flounder into precarious situations was a mix of amusing and exasperating, as she frequently resembled a cosplaying Miss Marple on too little sleep. I couldn’t help but cheer for her, even as I cringed at her bumbling yet earnest attempts to unravel the mystery.
And oh, Monty—the dog! I can’t convey how much I adored that sweet mutt. If there’s any justice in the literary world, he deserves a solo spin-off where he becomes the canine detective of our dreams, uncovering clues with style and a dapper monocle. The local charm and the small-town shenanigans were delightful, providing a setting rich with potential for future series escapades. With the right mix of chaos and character development, I can see how this series could evolve into a favorite for many cozy mystery enthusiasts.
Now, I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by the twist in the plot regarding the dead body. Was it a bit of a stretch? Absolutely! But I’m not here to dissect forensic accuracy; I’m seeking cozy mystery magic. I appreciate how Wilson plays with the unexpected, even if it sometimes felt like I was left piecing together a family tree that needed a guidebook.
Ultimately, I walked away from Poison and Pooches with a smile, earned a surprising amount of emotional whiplash, and an amused subconscious urge to check my own floorboards. I’m awarding this book three stars—not a perfect score, but generous enough, largely thanks to Monty and the delightful absurdity of it all.
I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys a quirky cozy mystery with a side of canine companionship, property drama, and a narrative that challenges your patience in the best way possible. If you’re after lighthearted chaos and don’t mind a slow-building mystery, this one’s for you! My own reading journey was light and entertaining, leaving me curious about what mischief Arial and Monty might encounter in future installments.
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