“A Midwinter’s Tale” by Bethany Blake Delightful and cozy mystery that will warm the hearts of readers. Set in the charming town of Sylvan Creek during the holiday season, the book offers a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and festive cheer. Protagonist Daphne Templeton it's a lovable and relatable character, and her sleuthing skills add an intriguing element to the narrative. Blakes’s descriptive writing brings the wintry setting to life, making readers feel as though they are strolling through the snowy streets alongside the characters. While the pacing could be tightened at certain parts, the well-crafted plot and the author's ability to keep readers engaged make up for it. With its enduring cast of characters, atmospheric setting, and a satisfying mystery to unravel, “ A Midwinter’s Tale” is a delightful read for cozy mystery fans looking for a seasonal escape.

A Midwinter’s Tail is a fantastic fourth book in Bethany Blake’s Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery series. The cozy mystery is full of action, suspense, drama, and animals. I love Artie, the chihuahua Daphne rescued in book 1 and convinced Jonathan to adopt. He is such scene stealer in every book. I adore how he absolutely loves clothes. Tinks is a feisty cat with a mischievous and cantankerous personality, and Socrates is quite a long-suffering basset.

Daphne is a wonderful character. She is snarky, compassionate, without too many cares in the world. Some may think she's a flake since her cell never works and she's never on time for anything, but she's a strong protagonist that doesn't live by the timeline of others. She even has a PhD in philosophy but doesn't use her degree. She's down-to-earth, kind, and gentle. She loves her pet sitting business and continues to prosper.

The author does a spectacular job with the continued character development and world building. I love Sylvan Creek and how alive the author writes the town and characters (that is, unless you happen to be the latest murder victim). The book is engaging from the very beginning and kept me entertained throughout. There was never a dull moment and some of Daphne's antics had me smiling. The author's writing style is phenomenal. All dialogue was smooth, thought out, and conversational. The twists and turns kept me guessing all the way until the end. This book's ending shocked me a little. I had no clue who the one was responsible for the mayhem in book 4.

I was provided an ecopy of the book to read.

If I could go on a winter holiday, it would be to the pet-friendly Pocono Mountains town of Sylvan Creek. I love everything about the people and the place. The author makes the town seem so warm and inviting, well I mean yeah they have murders, but they are usually targeted. I wouldn't feel unsafe there lol.

Daphne Templeton is a free-spirited pet sitter, armed only with a Ph.D. in Philosophy and a stubborn Basset Hound, who has become an amateur sleuth.

In this installment of the series, a former classmate and nemesis returns to Sylvan Creek. She plans on opening a big box discount pet store from her chain that she runs. In a town full of small business owners, especially pet shops, everyone is none to happy about this news. When her body is found soon after, the list of suspects seem vast, but someone has an obvious motive. However, it is very obvious that the suspect did not do it. Daphne, working better with Detective Jonathan Black, is hell bent on solving this murder and clearing her friends name.

This novel is just oozing with Christmas and Winter Bliss. As cold as it is in Sylvan Creek, relationships are heating up, both human and canine. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I adore the series but this was my favorite thus far. I am a Christmas enthusiast, so I am quite certain that aspect of the book helped.

This series is a fun way to escape the day or intrigue those who love a good "who dunnit" series. I swear, I have yet to figure it out in this series. I really enjoyed the detail of the story and character development, even all the dogs have great character development. A lot of cozies that I read, I describe as quick and fun, I would not describe this one as such. Ms. Blake is very detailed in her plot and characters, so you really get to dive into the story. I would not say one style is better than the other because I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to continuing on with the series.

I have this book in both digital (NetGalley) and audio versions. The narrator, Elise Arsenault, does an amazing job.

This was a terrific addition to a fun cozy series. I love Blake's writing style, and this book was no exception. She delivers a wonderful mystery with a great cast of characters (some 4 legged) and a charming setting. I'd recommend this and the other books in this series.

I have not read any other books in the series. While this can be read as a stand- alone book, I felt, as I read, more back story would have been helpful. It might have made me understand and appreciate the story and characters better.

In this book, professional pet sitter Daphne Templeton and everyone in her small town, Sylvan Creek, PA, are preparing for the coming holidays—to include the town’s dogs. Right now, everyone is preparing for the annual, festive Bark the Halls Ball. This year, the guests will include home-town girl done well, Celeste “CeeCee” French, founder of a national chain of pet care franchises. However, not everyone is happy to have CeeCee back, so when her dead body is found under the town’s Christmas tree, killed by pet grooming shears, everyone looks at the town professional pet groomer, Moxie Bloom. Moxie has good reasons to dislike CeeCee, but so do several others in town. As usual, Daphne jumps right into the investigation, working as close as she can (despite his misgivings) with handsome Detective Jonathan Black, who also happens to be a potential romantic interest for Daphne—as Daphne is for him. The story moves along, as Daphne, assisted, as always, by her canine friends, works her way through many seemingly unrelated events and delving into past memories of high school days for help. For his part, Detective Black, also is trying to figure to determine out who the murderer is, or murders are. There are a lot of suspects, but can either, or both working together, figure out just who the real murder is?

This is a pretty good holiday, dog-lover story. The dogs definitely play an important role, though not really in solving the crime as such. They do provide a good backdrop and support, as well as interesting sidelights as the story moves along. The plot was not that complicated, though it was obvious that Daphne’s memories and understanding of the town and her high school days helped solve the mystery, since that was when most of the characters interacted regularly or knew each other and remembered events that impacted on the story. I did think the story dragged at times, though not too much. The ending was an interesting turn of events, though did not come out of the blue for me. Finally, I found it fascinating to watch Daphne and Detective Black work on the case alone at times or in tandem, as their attraction or each other grew. I foresee more of this attraction in later books. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

As always, Bethany Blake delivers a fun, quirky mystery with plenty of action and adorable animals! I loved getting to meet newcomers Tiny Tim and Snowdrop, and can't wait to see where things go with one Detective Black. Another great addition to the series!

Here I am reading a Christmas book...lol. I never have been a season themed reader and wanted to catch up one one of my favorites as a new  book comes out this year. Daphne loves the holiday season and the excitement of going to the Bark the Halls Ball, but everything gets a damper put on it when CeeCee French a former resident comes back to tell them she is opening a huge pet store chain there. That doesn't make a lot of people happy since it's a pet friendly town with lots of local pet stores, including Daphne who owns a pet sitting service as well as Flour Power a pet treat store. Then CeeCee is found dead on the night of Bark the Halls under a Christmas tree like a morbid present.When Moxie is considered the prime suspect because of a mishap that happened in their youth with the deceased and how much Moxie still can't stand her, and the fact that Moxie's scissors are missing which could be the murder weapon. Even though Daphne wants to stay out of things she can't because it's her best friend in trouble and even Detective Black knows she won't stay out of things and is really trying to help Moxie because she is her friend.I love the characters in this series though I must admit Daphne drives me crazy at times! She does things without thinking and it gets on my nerves but I like her nonetheless as she grows on you. I love her sister, friends and of course Detective Jonathan Black! It's a fun pet friendly town that I wouldn't mind living in.Though there were a lot of characters that could have done it I didn't find the mystery to hard to solve and had it figured out early on, though I will admit there was a few times I thought maybe I was wrong. Still a good mystery and really when it comes to cozies I am all about the characters and the town and having fun! :)I would recommend this to any cozy lover!

I love this pet inspired cozy series set in the Pocono's. This is book 4 and is a Christmas story set in Sylvan Hills, a town that is more than pet friendly. It advertises as the pet capitol of the world with most of main streets business's geared toward tourist and their pets. Daphne and her friends are looking forward to the holiday but no one in town is happy to see CeeCee French return for the annual holiday fund raiser. When she's murdered the list of suspects is long and secrets are starting to rock the close knit community. Another great addition ot the Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery series. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The fourth book in the Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery series by Bethany Blake is A Midwinter's Tail. The holidays are fast approaching to Sylvan Creek, and petsitter Daphne is excited. Things are not looking so jolly when the former town resident, CeeCee French, returns to town with plans to open a big chain pet store. That could be disaster for any number of the pet themed shops in town. When CeeCee is found murdered, the suspect list is long. It starts with Daphne's best friend, Moxie. This is a wonderful pet themed cozy series. I love the setting and characters; my favorite has to be Socrates the dog.

I love this series and this one didn't disappoint! Picking up one of these books is like sitting down for a visit with a dear old friend!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Could you ask for a better cozy mystery? Dogs, two murders, an amateur sleuth...did I mention dogs?? Readers who love mysteries will love this one. There is nothing problematic in this book. No profanity, no gratuitous violence--yes, there are some murders and whodunits, but there is also some romance and plenty of dog shenanigans.

I admit I could not solve the crime. It did take me a little while to get into the book; it is the fourth in the series after all. I was only going to give it a four-star rating, but before long, the author captured my interest, and I was taken with every part of the book. I simply adored the characters. And high school scandals that come back to haunt people years later...talk about amazing!

The writing style of this book is simply ideal. The book may appear long, but it is an easy read that draws the reader in unlike a lot of current mysteries I've read. I didn't find myself concentrating on the time or how much I read. I wanted to finish this story and find out who the murderer was. I highly recommend this mystery book, and I think i may have to check out the rest of the series.

I had a lot of fun returning to Sylvan Creek and another mystery involving pet sitter/pet entrepreneur, Daphne Templeton. I enjoy the pet centric nature of this town, and how the animals are portrayed, very smartly, with feelings and attitudes of their own. CeeCee French was trouble back in high school and when she returns to Sylvan Creek to try to convince the town they need her big box pet store, no one is very happy. I liked how the foray into the past history helped define the characters in this book. The Bark the Halls event adds to the holiday nature of this particular title! Daphne has definitely caught the eye of the local detective.

This is a fun read. Pet sitter Daphne tries to find the real murderer after her best friend is the prime suspect in local girl made good Cece's murder. Cece was not popular and there are plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep you guessing. There's also a lot of humour and warmth between the characters. Throw in some romance and a cute setting with lots of animals and its a good cosy read.

I'll look out for the next book in the series.

This is my favorite book in the series so far!! Not only did it contain a naughty pug (like my own) but I am coming to love the characters more and more with each new book. The mystery was well planned and I really enjoy the pet bakery aspect of the series. I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author!!

Nice cozy-mystery!
Love the Christmas atmosphere, and the setting of a small town that loves their pets.
A murder mystery with a victim that everyone dislikes and have motives to take her out of the picture.

I liked this book very much. it is delightfully charming. What a fun romp with the animals.! I liked the writing style and will definitely be reading all the books in the series. Thanks Kensington and netgLley for the arc, the review is my own opinion.

Loved it. A charming page turner. The dogs, cat, and rat add delightful fun. An inordinate amount of credit is given to their understanding and communication, but some of us do feel as if our animals understand and respond. The romance is moving along slowly but in the right direction. Interesting connection to the murders and former classmates. I look forward to reading the next one in this entertaining series.

A murder mystery, a romance or two, and a lot of dogs is what you'll get with A Midwinter's Tail. It just goes to show that people remember how you make them feel...good or bad but most definitely bad.

A Midwinter’s Tail

by Bethany Blake

Daphne Templeton, owner of Lucky Paws Pet Sitting Service and of Flour Power, a bakery specializing in pet treats, is surrounded by four-legged friends in A Midwinter’s Tail. Bethany Blake brings her readers quickly up to date on her series’ background as Daphne finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. CeeCee French wants to return to her hometown, which caters to pets, bringing her flagship mega pet store with her. The potential for destroying the local pet-related businesses looms large. CeeCee was also involved in conflict going all the way back to high school. Are these threats related to current issues or metaphorical ghosts of the past?

You will either love the way this story is told or you won’t. Each of the animals is truly a character in this tale. My favorite is the Basset hound Socrates. Rarely aroused, he is Daphne’s patient, laid-back sidekick. He expresses his emotions and opinions subtly, but Daphne can interpret them easily. Other characters include Snowdrop, a fashionable trained poodle; Tiny Tim, a mischievous pug; Tinkleston, a disdainful feline; and my least favorite, Sebastian, her friend Moxie’s white rat. Each one is truly a developed character and plays an important role in the story. The dogs accompany Daphne almost everywhere she goes and contribute in many ways to the story, including acting as a sounding board for Daphne. I think this way of telling the story works well in the Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery Series. I have particular fondness for Basset hounds, and so I particularly enjoy the character of Sebastian. Although perhaps the effect is slightly exaggerated, Sebastian is portrayed fairly accurately for a Basset. It is almost impossible not to attribute feelings and thoughts to Basset hounds as they are so responsive to human emotions.

Clues abound and the spotlight shines on a variety of characters, some more likable than others. The plot has twists and turns but is never dull. Grab this cozy with a Christmas setting for an entertaining evening of mystery with a little romance thrown in.

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

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: 1. #4 in the Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery Series, but the author does a fantastic job with background so it works well as a standalone.
2. Pet treat recipes are included in the back of the book.

Publication: November 27, 2018—Kensington Books

Memorable Lines:

Piper looked like she wanted to thunk her head against something, while Socrates lay down, whined, and placed his paws over his muzzle. Snowdrop, who was unfamiliar with Fidelia—but who had barked with disapproval at the accountant’s droopy cardigan—appeared confused.

Her tone was so vitriolic that Snowdrop stood up and backed nervously away on her delicate white paws. Socrates rose, too, stepping gallantly between the poodle and the woman who continued to glower at her.

The heart of the storm had passed overnight, leaving Sylvan Creek glittering like a town in a softly swirling snow globe, and I went to the French doors to look down at Market Street, where icicles dripped like jewels from the storefronts and the Bijoux’s marquee was glowing.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

The people of Sylvan Creek, Pennsylvania are wild about their pets. A pet bakery, a pet clothing store, a hair salon that has human and pet clients, and right now they are getting ready for the Bark the Halls Ball where people and their pets deck out in their finest attire to dance the night away and enjoy each other’s company. Former resident, Celeste “CeeCee” French is coming home to be the special guest for the affair. She has taken her love of pets nationally with her pet care franchises. But all the tails stop wagging when they learn she is about to set up a store in Sylvan Creek. That would put many town shops out of business.

While the town is barking mad about the prospect of a big box pet store, someone has taken the matter into their own hands and presented the town with CeeCee’s dead body right under the town’s Christmas tree. The discovery is made by professional pet sitter Daphne Templeton and Detective Jonathan Black. Daphne later learns the woman was stabbed with a pair a pet shears. Pet shears that appear to have been taken from the Spa and Paw owned by her friend Moxie Bloom. The good detective asks Daphne to leave the investigation to him but a certain pet keeps dropping clues at her feet, literally. She knows Moxie is innocent so with the help of her basset hound, Socrates and another mysterious pup she sets out to find the real killer.

This is such a fun series. Daphne is a fantastic protagonist, the “conversations” she has with Socrates are very realistic. I talk to my dogs all the time, never about anything as important as murder, but dogs are attentive and great sounding boards – sometimes they can sniff and lick and bark out the perfect answer. Moxie is a true gem. The friendship between her and Daphne always makes me smile. The “relationship” between Daphne and Jonathan is moving slowly but forward with itsy-bitsy steps. We are introduced to two new canines in this story and one is a real treasure/scene stealer and the other has quite the wardrobe.

The animals bring so much to this story. They are not just pets that are fed and petted and left at home when their people go out or to work. They are involved in the mystery and play important roles. The author’s love for these wonderful creatures shines within her words. We met two very interesting and different pups this time and Socrates falls completely into puppy love. All the dogs in this series have found a place in my heart and it is now impossible to pick a favorite. There is another pet in this story that has not found a place in my heart but the owner seems very happy with it and that is what really matters.

Cleverly written, Ms. Blake gives us another mystery to sink our teeth into, full of twists and turns, suspects with motives and opportunities, and a few red herrings to boot. I loved it! I didn’t solve this one early. I was completely captivated to the very end.

I have enjoyed every book in this series. Bethany Blake is such a talented writer. Pet lovers will love this mystery, curl up with yours and enjoy this Midwinter’s Tail. You will thank your Lucky Paws that you did.