DOUBLE DOG DARE, A Davis Way Crime Caper, #7,
by Gretchen Archer is hampering-packed with fun and hilarity. These characters will crack you up. The storyline flows smoothly and the the mystery is wrapped up nicely and with lots of humor. This is a must read series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37885947

Another fun read! This series is one of my favorite and the characters are hilarious! This book is just like the others in that it keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more! Davis is one of the funniest characters I've come across in all the books I read and definitely can get herself into and out of the craziest of jams.
Must read book!

This book was absolutely hilarious! When I read this book I just couldn't stop laughing! Even though this book was was later on in the series, you can read it as a standalone.The story line was great and the characters couldn't be more unique and hilarious. I read this novel in one sitting and all I could think about is that I wanted more! This was top of the line a comedic mystery and I can't wait for the opportunity to read the previous novels in the series. When you read books that are later in the series you usually feel like you're missing out on something but with this novel it was just as hilarious by itself. All the characters are wacky and out there in their own special way. I highly recommend this novel and series to anyone looking for a great laugh. If you love wacky and something that will make you laugh ass off look no further than Double Dog Dare!

A comic caper!

I ended reading this book with an ear-worm - from Vree’s prayers and hymns....! I also giggled my way through the last half of the book - as things got more and more ridiculous! I giggled with the story not against it.

This is book 7 in this series and even though I’v e not read any of the previous stories, I didn’t need to. I met and understood all the characters and their backgrounds as they appeared and interacted.

A fun, lively, humorous story. Not heavy reading but good for an afternoon sunning oneself on the beach or in the garden.

I want to read book 8 and see what these crazy gals get up to next!

always look forward to a new Davis Way crime caper. I’ve been following the series for a while (have to go back and find the time to read the first couple of books that I missed.) It is one of my favorite series as the plots are hilarious and the characters sometimes bring tears to my eyes from laughing so hard.

Davis Way Cole is responsible (part time now that she has the kids) for security at the Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. She lives there with her husband (manager of the Casino) and their young twin daughters, taking up half of the 29th floor of the hotel. A continuing theme in the books is that Davis is a dead ringer for the casino owners wife, a pampered lady who prefers to have Davis double for her at local events and has, for some reason, decided that Davis’ name is actually David.

In this story, Davis’ past in Pine Apple, Alabama, has made its way into the casino (once again.) Davis is asked to pay a ransom of a million dollars (just go take it from the casino, right?) In her search for the kidnappers, she runs into a cast of characters from Pine Apple – Bootsy Howard (a known witch – just ask any child in Pine Apple), Leverette Urleen, MD – a doctor that I would just say no to, and my favorite, Vreeland Howard (Davis’ sister’s best friend.)


Vree talks a mile a minute. She one of those people who seem to have perfected the ability to talk while inhaling as well as exhaling.

I laughed my way through the book. The mystery wasn’t too difficult to figure out but the plot did make sense. For me, reading this series isn’t about figuring out the whodunnit. It’s all about enjoying the ride.

The book can be read standalone but I recommend reading the series in order. While I enjoy the books I have read, I think I am lacking some background because I missed the first two. I purchased them so it is simply a matter of finding the time to read them.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

Archer never disappoints. Her books are always entertaining and this one didn’t disappoint.

5 stars
This is the first in the Davis Way series that I have read. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Way too funny! Reminiscent of the Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich, but a little more responsible with the main character being married with twin daughters. But the scraps and off the wall characters make you laugh out loud.
A dog show is being held at the Casino where Davis lives with her family. Bradley, her husband, is the manager of the casino but for the weekend of the dog show, happens to be going out of town to Nashville for a convention. Davis’ sister and friend from her home town, but when only the friend, Vree, shows up, late and all out of sorts, the wild fun begins. Davis’ sister, Meredith, has been kidnapped along with Vree’s dog and it is up to Davis to figure out what is going on and get her sister back.
The whacky, crazy characters and twists and turns of the plot make you laugh throughout the book. This was a really fun, zany, mystery novel. The plot was very well thought out and complimented the craziness of the characters perfectly.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Henery Press, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Oh Gretchen….. you’ve kept me entertained for many books and this is no exception.

Listen, the first thing you need to know is that you should be prepared to laugh. A lot. This isn’t no deep thinking, let me get the tissues out and cry book. This is a “I need a laugh, I need something fun, I want to be entertained” book.

Second…. Davis Way is a character in the book, but she’s also what people would call a character. There’s an easy way, a hard way and a Davis Way to do things (no pun intended) and Davis never chooses the easy way- and that is when the laughter and yes, over the top situations get to going.

What I liked:

The cover. Henery Press covers are great and they always make Gretchen’s books so FUN.

Hanging out with the loveable cast of characters of series regulars. It’s so fun to catch up with them every year.

Davis. By all accounts- as many times as Davis has flirted with danger, been in danger, been up to her eyeballs in danger- she’s like a cat- she’s got 9 lives. I love her attitude!



Bottom line: While this can be read as a standalone- it’ll be so much better if you’ve read the others. Go forth and enjoy Davis Way- she’s a hoot!



*This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*

Gretchen Archer is fantastic!! Double Dog Dare does not disappoint! I could not read it fast enough. This is one of my favorite mystery series. Love it!!

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

100 stars rating for this funny, smart cozy series !
Double Dog Dare by Gretchen Archer is the 7th book in the Davis Way Crime Caper. Davis is a new security agent for a Casino in Biloxi Mississippi where she lives with her husband and twin daughters. She has returned to work after having her daughters. She also works as a body double. When she finds a dead body the fun begins with hilarity throughout the book.
I love the supporting characters , the laugh out loud moments and the well plotted sleuth. The addition of living life in a Casino with kids is entertaining and fun. A dog show added in much mischief and fun between dogs and owners. This is the perfect series for stress relief. I love each and every new release..
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.

Double Dog Dare by Gretchen Archer is the 7th book in the Davis Way Crime Caper, and another great addition. I love these cozy mystery books, they are laugh out loud funny with a lot of twists and turns that keeps you reading. Davis Way Cole and her husband Bradley Cole, work and live in the Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi with their twin daughters. Davis prepares for a nice visit with her sister while Bradley is out of town, instead her sister gets kidnapped, along with a show dog. Great Book! The development of the story and characters are so well written. The story is also hilarious, yet intense at times. I strongly recommend this book/series for readers who love funny cozy mysteries. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Double Dog Dare

by Gretchen Archer

I was surprised to see that Double Dog Dare, a cozy mystery, is also classified by the publisher as humor…until I read it. It is hilarious; all the way through from one complication to another. The storyline starts out simply enough as Davis Way, who is part of the security team at a Biloxi, Mississippi, casino anticipates the arrival of her sister Meredith and Meredith’s friend Vree, a nonstop, stream of consciousness talker with her dog who will be competing in a canine competition at the casino.

From the moment Davis opens the door to the early arriving Vree instead of Meredith, absolutely nothing goes as planned. Author Gretchen Archer creates fun characters and really amusing dialogue. The plot is intricate and when you are not laughing, you will be saying “What???” over the latest development. There are a variety of crimes including kidnappings, impersonations, and thefts. Meredith has a moral dilemma and in trying to help her, Davis also explores ethical and legal boundaries.

While all of these complications are occurring, Davis has to role play the wife of the casino’s owner, care for her twin 20-month old daughters, manage several dogs, and not tell her husband what is going on at home while he is attending a conference in Nashville.

If you want a nonstop mystery that will keep you smiling, laughing, and shaking your head, you’ll want to grab Double Dog Dare. It is now available in Kindle format.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery, Humor

Notes: #7 in the Davis Way Crime Capers series, but works well as a standalone

Publication: March 20, 2018 —Henery Press

Memorable Lines:

Vree could talk the stars out of the sky. I believed she talked so she wouldn’t have to listen; there was always something Vree didn’t want to hear.

We’d wasted the half hour before that racking our brains for a doctor, a medical examiner, an EMT, a mortician, or even a Girl Scout with her Corpse Badge who owed us a favor…

“It was our constellation prize to them since our dog drew blood.”

I always thought she was just mean, as opposed to otherworldly. As it turns out, she’s neither. She wants what everyone else wants. Someone to love who loves her back. That’s it.

Double Dog Dare is a well written and funny cozy mystery. I loved the plot and quirky characters. I have not read other books in this series which is not a problem. I anticipate reading more of this author's books. I highly recommend to mystery lovers.

Double Dog Dare is a comedy caper with all female leads. Set in a high-rise casino in Biloxi Mississippi, the complications keep coming throughout. First, Davis’ sister Meredith and her best friend’s dog are kidnapped by her hometown preacher. Then the best friend’s mother-in-law comes to make sure that the one million dollar ransom is paid. She might also be a witch. How will Davis and Vree find a million dollars? It helps that Davis in part of a four-person security team in the casino and also a computer expert. Oh and she is also a mother of infant twin girls and has a husband who is luckily out of town. This is literally less than 10% of the hilarious plot. It just goes downhill for Davis, but uphill for comedy caper fans, from there.

Double Dog Dare is the 7th book in the Davis Way Crime Caper series. I haven’t read any of the previous books and had no trouble following the plot and characters in this one.

I chose this book on NetGalley because of the quote “It’s ‘Best in Show’” by Janet Evanovich, whose Stephanie Plum series I love. This book gave Stephanie a run for best comedy caper series (though Ms. Archer should add a Lula-esque character to this series too). Overall, this zany book is highly recommended. 4 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, Henery Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Here at Hidden Staircase I enjoy all kinds of mysteries, especially a good cozy series. A few years ago I discovered Gretchen Archer’s Davis Way series, which quickly became a favorite.

I know when I pick up a book in the Davis Way series I’m sure to forget my troubles for a while (Davis will have plenty), and I can settle in for a fun, laugh-out-loud adventure. Double Dog Dare (book seven) did not let me down.

Davis has given up her hectic super-spy schedule and now works part-time Bellissimo Casino security from the comfort of home (on the 29th floor of the casino) in order to spend more time with her twin girls. We find Davis eager to spend the week with special visitors coming in for the Bellissimo’s dog show: her sister Meredith, Meredith’s best friend Vree, and Vree’s dog Bubblegum.

But Meredith and Bubblegum don’t arrive at the Bellissimo. Instead, Davis and Vree are greeted by Bootsy Howard, who gives Davis one week to come up with one million dollars in exchange for her sister. And Bubblegum.

Honestly this book is a roller coaster ride from here. Kidnapping, murder, possible witchcraft, a missing body, and more dogs than Davis knows what to do with. Not to mention, she still needs to keep up with her security duties that her boss No Hair assigns, and fill in for Bianca as a judge in the dog show. She’s got her hands full. Luckily, her husband Bradley is out of town (he would want to bring in the proper authorities), and her best friend Fantasy is around to help Davis get to the bottom of things.

My favorite part of these books is always Ms. Archer’s writing style. She writes in the first person, and Davis’ view (and her asides) are always just so darn funny. I did miss some of the characters we’ve met in previous outings, but the new characters introduced keep the series fresh and fun. The story took unexpected turns and Double Dog Dare kept me laughing out loud and frantically turning pages to see what was going to happen next.

While I do recommend reading previous books in this series just because they are so darn funny, new readers can feel free to start here and not be lost. Double Dog Dare is fast paced, with plenty of surprises thrown in. And, as always, everything manages to tie together for a satisfying ending.

I hadn’t read any of this series before this one which is number seven. It can be read as a standalone.
This is an over the top book that made me laugh out loud often. I remember thinking this is a keystone cops story with women. I had the hardest time believing that people could be so inept with life and knowledge. Sadly, we all have met people like the ones portrayed in this book.

I would not want to be near Bianca even though she did add that over the top socialite sense to the story.
So our story involves Davis, who is well educated and a trained security specialist married to a casino president, Brad Cole. They have twin 20 months old daughters. They live in a casino apartment (1/2 the floor) because of their jobs.

Davis is already overwhelmed with the job, the kids and steping in for Bianca, the owner’s wife at social functions. Now her sister, Meredith and the sister’s BFF, Vreeland Howard, are due to visit for a week while Brad is shopping for a new job is Nashville.
Meredith doesn’t show but Vree does and the chaos ensues. Bootsy Howard, the woman that raised Vree’s husband shows up immediately after Davis reads an e-mail stating Meredith and Vree’s dog have been kidnapped. Bootsy is there to ensure no one else finds out about the kidnapping and return to the kidnappers with the money.
The rest you will have to read. It just gets wilder and wilder. In the end, the thieves (I haven’t told you about the thieves) and the kidnappers get what’s coming to them. It works out well and I enjoyed the last few chapters immensely.

I plan to read the other six books which I won very soon to catch up. This story stands on its own and is not predicated on the previous books.

Yes!!!! Davis Way is back! I've missed her. While the last installment of Davis' life left me craving Waffle House waffles, this one had my sides splitting from all the laughing out loud that I did while reading this book. (Okay, maybe not splitting, but I did laugh more in this book than I have the others. And, there was no shortage of laughs in the others.)

I just love this series. It's WAY better than the Stephanie Plum books. (Twenty books down the road and the girl can't decide on Ranger or Joe? SMH.) Plus, Davis is married and has other things on her mind.

The cast of characters, with the exception of the regulars who work at the casino, keep changing as to who from Pine Apple, Alabama is visiting her this time. That city is sure full of wackos.

I guarantee once you read one of these books, you will want to read them all. The capers and the situations that Davis finds herself in are hilarious.

Thanks to Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Davis Way Cole is waiting for her sister Meredith's visit. Meredith and her best friend Vreeland Howard are coming for a dog show that's been booked at the Bellissimo, where Davis works as a super secret spy/security expert. But when she answers her door, it's not Meredith but Vree, and she explains that Meredith and Bubbles - Vree's dog, who is going to be entered in the show - are arriving a little later.

But Meredith doesn't arrive. Neither does the dog. Instead, Vree's sort-of mother-in-law Bootsy shows up. Bootsy is mean enough to be a witch, and people have accused her of such. Bootsy is also there because Meredith isn't coming unless Davis gives her one million dollars. Davis, of course, doesn't have a million dollars, but if she doesn't get it, then Pastor Gully (who apparently has kidnapped both Meredith and Bubbles) threatens to leave them on a street corner in Guadalajara, Mexico.

But the troubles don't end there - Davis's boss 'No Hair' shows up at her door with what appears to be some kind of snarling dog and tells her to take care of it. The owners - lottery winners who are also hicks - have checked in and are spending money and creating havoc. When the dog decides to 'leak' on Davis's floor, she calls housekeeping, and they send up two burly men to clean up who look more like they should be in security detail.

So Davis calls her best friend Fantasy to come help get Bootsy out of her home, and into Fantasy's bonus room above her garage. Which isn't easy - and then still has to decide how to rescue her sister and find out who the dog belongs to; not to mention the 'schmucks' who are running amok in the casino causing problems.

At least Bradley is out of town on business, so she has one less thing to worry about; but just when things can't get any worse, they do. Suddenly there's a dead body, a doctor who doesn't know what he's doing, and now she has two dogs to contend with. Will Davis be able to save her sister and her marriage before Bradley returns? Can Davis and Fantasy keep No Hair from finding out what they're doing? And how will she find a million dollars without robbing the Bellisimo in time to save her sister?

Yes, it's just another day in the world of Davis Way Cole, Super Spy and security expert for the Bellissimo. And I can't say too much about this book without giving too much away. But I will say that the characters are indeed fun to be around. Sometimes I feel sorry for Fantasy, but then again, she walks right into it, so it's really hard to do so.

But Davis has her hands full with twin daughters and a near-hysterical woman from small-town Pine Apple where she grew up, who faints at anything and everything; and a physician (?) who's lascivious to the max and doesn't know a wart from a mole (or cares). But we have a case of a missing body, missing people, missing cars, a missing sister and missing dogs - I don't think I'm missing anything here (but I could be).

At any rate, this book is both suspense and hilarious, if it can be such, at the same time. Davis is one smart cookie, and she needs to be to deal with these looney tunes - which includes her boss Bianca, who expects Davis to impersonate her wearing the most ridiculous outfits yet. But then again, we've all known Bianca isn't all there anyway...

In the end, this book is definitely on my list of one of the best this year. Ms. Archer's writing is impressive, the characters are well-defined and full of life, and the plot highly believable. When we come to the end and it is all sorted out, I was sorry it ended so soon. A book I will reread more than once. Highly recommended.