Love this series!
The characters are remarkably funny and the plot is enjoyable til the very end.
A series of break-ins in the area where our main characters have their store lead to an undercover investigation that could turn into a romantic reconciliation between Melanie and Grey.
Betty has a new project that will keep her busy and secretive.
A murder will make things difficult as suspects keep piling up.

After reading a few quite intense books (and more to come in the TBR pile) I was in desperate need of something light and fluffy and fun.

The Dogfather delivered on all 3 fronts.

When the owner of a designer handbag shop is found dead, Melinda (who owns a pet accessories store) takes matters into her own hands. With her 80 year old sales assistant at her side, they set out to investigate and solve the crime themselves.

And look, as I said above, it's a load of fun. It's a book that doesn't take itself too seriously. Melinda and Betty are great characters, seeing them bumble their way through, discovering the different pieces of the puzzle was thoroughly entertaining.

Plus, you know, dogs. Dogs are awesome. I just loved reading the names and descriptions of the dogs and their personalities (even though I'm more of a cat lover than a dog lover).

But...if I had to have some downsides. Look, I get that this is book 10 in a series and it mostly works as a standalone. I'm obviously missing some parts of backstory which would have no doubt contributed to the way the characters acted. This lack of backstory is what demoted this book from a 4 star to a 3 star. Maybe that's my fault for not having read the whole series? I don't know. It was really just little things, like references to "Daddy's jet", but there's no explanation as to why Daddy has his own jet. And with that in mind, the end chapters did seem quite rushed, but then maybe that's due to character's historys and backstory? Again, I don't know, but it was just a bit disappointing for a new reader.

Overall though, a thoroughly entertaining book and absolutely what I needed to be reading at this point in time. Now back to serious.

**I received an ecopy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Terrific from the people to the pets to the plot to the locale. The relationships are funny and heartwarming although I didn't enjoy the main character's childish ways. He seemed more sincere in past novels

When a local store owner is found dead, Melinda Langston’s former fiancé and FBI agent, Grey Donovan, is the prime suspect. While working at her store, the Bow Wow Boutique, can Melinda and Grey find the truth before he loses his freedom?
This was a fun little mystery to curl up with on a rainy day. Melinda is a very likeable character, although I think she puts up with a lot from her wacky assistant. The other characters were engaging, but I was confused with the many red herrings the protagonist had to deal with. The plot was twisty and suspenseful. The romantic situation between Melinda and Grey was a great addition to the mystery, and cut the suspense of the mystery, when needed. I can’t wait for the next Pampered Pets mystery. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Another delightful outing in this fun series! I love the way Sparkle Abbey is able to keep these two distinct characters and their stories going in tandem. This one is Melinda's book, and she and her wacky assistant are off on the trail of a neighboring shopkeeper who takes a header down a staircase. Will Mel get back together with Grey, her FBI agent boyfriend? What will happen with the brooch she keeps passing back and forth with her cousin Caro? Can't wait to find out in the next installment.

I love this book! I love Mel, she is so sweet, beautiful, intelligent, funny, Grey is perfect for her! He is sexy, handsome, intelligent, loving, faithful, and protective! Great characters, great cozy mystery! I could see this as a comedy mystery for Acorn TV! I hope to see more of them as a couple, a kiss would be nice! That, or you need to move this to Young Adults! It would be great either way! I love the Southern witticisms, perfect!
I highly recommend! Thank you Netgalley!