Pumpkins, Paws and Murder: A Cozy English Animal Mystery

The Fall Fête isn’t very festive when an illusionist is discovered dead. Can an expat and her talking pets crash the killer’s party?

Retirement in the Cotswolds has given Leta Parker a new lease on life. Growing close to her small-town pals, the former corporate trainer is thrilled to help them put on the village’s annual autumn celebration. But the punch goes sour when a friend’s estranged magician husband is found murdered.

With the newly widowed woman the prime suspect, Leta leaps into action with spunky friends and her talking dog and cat to clear her name. But when they trace the lecherous victim to England’s picturesque southern coast, they discover a long list of past lovers who’d be happy to see the sleight-of-wandering-hands womanizer permanently disappeared.

Can Leta expose the truth, or will this investigation be her final trick?

Pumpkins, Paws & Murder is the second book in the lighthearted Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like compelling characters, talkative four-legged friends, and journeys full of action and humor, then you’ll love Kathy Manos PenCoffn’s playful tale.

Coffee , Cozy Mystery and Candy :  Book Review ( recipe on my blog )

Some things I really enjoy about this series are, first if all, the relationship between Leta, Dickens and Christie. Having had my share of 4-legged friends over the years, I see nothing strange about reading about a woman, a cat and a dog having conversations. I wish I could understand my 2 dogs. Life would be easier. And more fun. I also like the references to various good books that I haven't read but might enjoy. I also enjoy reading about the trips that Leta, Wendy and Belle take. I don't know if I will ever see those places, but I do enjoy reading about them. They sound fascinating. Most of all, I like how Dickens, Christie and all of their friends are the ones who save Leta when things turn bad. They are as ferocious as lions when their person is in danger. It doesn't matter that Dickens is "little". Nobody hurts his person. I have enjoyed this series and will continue reading, if there's more to read.