This was a new twist on the normal cat or dog partners you find in a lot of cozy mysteries. Jules runs a shelter for rabbits, and one bunny, in particular, has some hidden talents. Bun has the ability to communicate psychically with Jules. Bun and Jules make a quirky and unique sleuthing team, and I enjoyed following along on their adventure as they try to figure out who killed Arty the magician.

Left Fur Dead is the first book in the Jules & Bun Mystery series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with animal companions, you’ll definitely want to give this new series a try.

Oh my... I want a Bun!! This is an adorably fun book. What if your rabbit could communicate with you on a mental level? Bun is too cute with spunk and attitude and I am so glad to have reviewed this story. Oh, and the mystery is pretty good too.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

A rabbit is an unusual character to find in a cozy mystery. The only series I can think of that included a bunny was The Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries by Elizabeth Lynn Casey. The bunny, Paris, in those stories, added a lot of humor but wasn’t one of the leading characters like Bun, the bunny is in Left Fur Dead.

We meet Jules Bridge, owner of the Fur Bridge Farm where she cares for Bun and several other rescued rabbits. Bun is a very special bunny, he can communicate with Jules, using mental telepathy. He is one opinionated rabbit who rarely takes a break. This makes their relationship very interesting. Jules has to be careful because people would never understand the way the two of them “talk” but she does value his intuitive input. Together they work children’s parties and other events to raise awareness about rabbits and what Jules does on her farm. The farm also has a wonderful yarn shop I would love to visit!

On one of their morning walks Bun discovers the body of Author Freeman/Arty the Mime. Jules and Arty sometimes worked the same events. With Bun giving her a big push she decides maybe they can pull a rabbit out of a hat and catch the killer, but chances are they just may find themselves ensnared in the murderer’s trap.

After I got into the rhythm of Bun and Jules dialogues this was a very entertaining read. The author took time to introduce not only Bun and Jules but Jess Plain, a veterinary student almost ready to take the exam for her license. When Jess learns that Jules and the rabbits could be in danger due to her snooping, she moves right into Jules farmhouse. I really like the bond that has formed between these very independent women.

The murder mystery drew out over a longer period of time than the usual form for books in this genre, but in addition to a killer, we were also trying to catch an intruder that was created havoc on the Fur Bridge Farm and trying to ascertain whether both were connected. We also meet a mystery man that unexpectedly shows up, he may help answer some of Jules questions. I did feel Bun and Jules did not give Sheriff Jack Carver much of a chance but he was a patient man while still telling Jules to stay out of his investigation. His wife is a real peach too. I think we could be fast friends.

I feel this series is off to a grand start. I was totally surprised by the ending. The characters are very appealing and the setting is superb. I do love rabbits, we have wild rabbits often hopping through our yard even here in town. In fact, I can see one out my window right now.

I am looking forward to the next Jules & Bun Mystery!

Left Fur Dead is a cute first book in J.M. Griffin's new Jules & Bun Mystery series. Juliette "Jules" Bridge owns and operates Fur Bridge Farms, a sanctuary for injured, abused, and neglected rabbits. She has help by way of Jessica "Jess" Plain, a vet school student and other student helpers. Jules also has an unusual bunny named Bun. I enjoyed Bun's ability to communicate telepathically with Jules.

When Jules and Bun are out for a walk, they discover a body. The body belongs to Arty, a mime Jules occasionally works with at children's parties. As the police investigate, Jules and Bun decide to try their hand - and paw - at sleuthing. During the hunt for Arty's killer, Jules also has people breaking into her barn and trying to release all the rehab bunnies, and a person from her past reappears - earlier than she expected. As more suspects are revealed, Jules falls further into dangerous territory.

An entertaining story, Left Fur Dead is an easy read filled with wonderful characters. The world building is done well and I was able to visualize every scene and felt like I was there. The outcome of the mystery left me reeling. I thought I knew who did it or was at least involved (and I was correct), however, the revelations that lead up to everything shocked me. The reasons behind all of the trouble on Jules' farm are unbelievable (in an awe way, as opposed to a not believable way).

I only had a couple issues with the book: 1) Some of the dialogue between characters and between Bun and Jules is rough but the story is fun, regardless. 2) SPOILER ALERT - there isn't any sort of romance to be had. I enjoy a light romantic theme to run through the cozies I read. These issues, however, did not stop me from reading the book. In fact, 1f Book 1 is any indication, the Jules & Bun Mystery series is off to a great start. I enjoyed Left Fur Dead and look forward to Book 2.

I was provided a review copy.

A fantastic start to an adorable new cozy mystery series. We meet Juliette who runs a type of bunny farm/rescue with some of the cutest bunnies as well as a shop. Her constant companion is one such bunny named Bun who just so happens to be able to talk to her telepathically making him an excellent partner in crime. This skill comes into play when they find a dead body and strange things start happening that out them both in danger. Kept me guessing until the end which was just great. Well written mystery solved by an unlikely duo that will steal your heart as they keep you entertained. Perfect for cozy fans. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

Jules and Bun are interesting characters, and yes, Bun is a rabbit with a telepathic connection to Jules, and occasionally a few others. The whole rabbit rescue is a feel good bonus to this book. Only unfortunately, Jules stumbles on Arty's body and is worried she will be arrested. As the reader soon discovers, Jules is only a sleuth with Bun's prodding.

Jules is not a very socially aware individual. Her whole life is centered on the rabbit rescue and ensuring the rabbits are well cared for with the help of her friend, Jess. Jess is finishing Vet school and will open a clinic on the grounds. To help with expanded service, Jules hires a new helper. Only someone doesn't want the rabbit rescue to be successful and that places the bunnies at risk. Jules is so isolated she doesn't readily pick up the clues without help from Bun. She is surprised and devastated when she does figure it out.

This was a fun read, and as someone who supports various animal rescue groups, I enjoyed the discussion of the educational and rescue aspects. The story is paced evenly with consistent action intermixed with setting the scene, not only for this, but future books in the series.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Left Fur Dead by J.M. Griffin is the first book in the new cozy Jules & Bun Mystery series. While this series mainly falls into the cozy mystery genre it does have a touch of fantasy to it in the fact it has a talking bunny helping the protagonist solve crime. As with most cozy series though the book has it’s own mystery solved within so no need to worry about cliffhangers with only the character development carrying over to the next book of the series. .

Juliette “Jules” Bridge is the owner of Fur Bridge Farm in New Hampshire which she has lovingly turned into a rescue for rabbits. Jules is willing to take on any rabbit needing her care and rehabilitates those injured or abused. While Jules tends to all those in her care she does share a special connection with one particular bunny named Bun. When Jules first took in Bun she didn’t think it was possible but Bun is able to speak with Jules telepathically and since getting used to this amazing ability Bun goes about everywhere with Jules which is how one morning out on one of their walks Bun spies a corpse in the water.

Ok, so I’ve said time and time again to please sign me up for the overly quirky and comedic cozies and Left Fur Dead certainly fits right in with those. Bun certainly isn’t the first crime solving critter but since most books like that feature dogs or cats having a bunny was a refreshing twist. Bun along with his human, Jules, were very likable as they solved a crime a bit too close to home with plenty of twists and suspects along the way. I'm giving this opener 4 1/2 stars and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from this duo in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

If you like cozy mysteries and you are looking for a series with a difference, then look no further!

I loved this cozy with its unusual telepathic rabbit. The first in a new series, Left Fur Dead was set in a quaint New Hampshire Town.

In the opening chapters we meet Juliette ‘Jules’ Bridge who owns and runs a sanctuary for rescued rabbits. Jules was well drawn and very likeable in terms of her fearlessness and determination but her decision-making was extremely flawed as she kept on finding herself in undesirable situations.

Bun, Jules’ telepathic black and white rabbit, had a penchant for sleuthing, assisting Jules to solve crimes in their community, especially if they had a connection to the rabbit farm. Bun was sweet, very wise and observant, though garrulous and stole many a scene from the others.

All of the characters created by the author were fascinating in themselves and I could see some opportunities for character progression. The pacing was perfect for the story and with an effortlessly transitioning plot-line, the suspense built as the story progressed, right up until the surprising conclusion. I just had to keep turning those pages and I didn’t guess the identity of the perpetrator in this fantastic mystery, although I had them on my plausible suspect list.

If you’re looking for an alternative cozy mystery read, then I heartily recommend Left Fur Dead. I will be looking out for more by this fabulous author,

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Great Escapes Tours via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

LEFT FUR DEAD by J. M. Griffin
The First Jules and Bun Mystery

Juliette Bridge, better known as Jules, is the owner of Fur Bridge Farm. From providing rehabilitation to rabbits that have been abused to bringing bunnies as entertainment to children's parties, Jules deals in all things rabbit. Her sidekick is Bun, a black-and-white rabbit who has the ability to communicate telepathically with her. After stumbling across a dead body the pair find themselves victims. Someone has been entering the barn and attempting to release the rabbits. The break-ins must be connected to the murder. But how? Not content to leave matters to the police Jules and Bun begin their own investigation. But will they stir up even more trouble?

Never give up and don't make yourself a victim. These are the two resounding messages found in the first Jules and Bun Mystery. After being left for dead after being run off the road years prior, Jules recovered with the help of rabbits and has vowed to stand up for herself and her friends no matter what. This attitude, while generally commendable, leads her to sometimes be abrupt and act rashly. Jules is refreshing in that she is so independent with a take charge attitude. By far my favorite character is Bun. This is a rabbit with an attitude. He's funny and forthright, smart and protective.

LEFT FUR DEAD has a quaint premise. A rabbit with telepathic powers is certainly unique in the mystery scene and I appreciate how proper care for rabbits is emphasized. While it fit that Bun's speech patterns were slightly off kilter, the whole book had an odd use of phrasing and word choice that stopped the flow and made the pacing someone erratic.

Unfortunately, the author hit on a major pet peeve of mine. At the end of the story the villain, who had a very good motive, and had been behaving rationally, suddenly became a "maniac" with an "evil" laugh. The author could have gotten the story exactly where she needed with the same villain, motive, and even final exciting scene, without creating yet another crazed killer.

Bolstered by a charming rabbit LEFT FUR DEAD provides a unique mystery. With room to grow the first Jules and Bun Mystery is a promising start to a new series.

Left Fur Dead is a cute cozy mystery. Jules Bridge is the caretaker of Fur Bridge Farm which takes injured and abused bunnies. She also breeds and raises rabbits as well as runs a store on the farm that sells yarn and rabbit related items. Bun is Jules bunny housemate that she rescued from Margery Shaw who called the little fellow the devil spawn. Margery just did not understand what Bun was trying to communicate. Oh, I may have forgotten to mention that Bun talks to Jules using mental telepathy and he is a very curious little bunny. When the pair find Arty the Mime dead in the snow, Bun is eager to investigate. He has a nose for sleuthing plus he has keen hearing. Jules is having trouble at the farm with someone breaking into the barn and opening the rabbit cages. The situation continues to escalate, and Jules is worried about her little rabbit charges. Left Fur Dead is nicely written and progresses at a steady pace. I like the main characters of Jules, Bun, Sheriff Jack Carver and Jess Plain. The mystery has a handful of suspects and there are clues to help readers identify the guilty party. I did feel that the case was a little drawn out. Weeks go by before this case is put to bed. Also, Jules was a little reckless. She put herself into danger more than once (and then what would happen to the rabbits). There are some clever aspects to the mystery with a good reveal and a nice wrap-up. Jules and Bun are cute together and I enjoyed their interactions. Jess is a good friend to Jules, and I look forward to getting to know her better in future books. Sheriff Jack Carver is a nice man with a sweet wife who loves to buy yarn. Jack frequently tells Jules to keep her nose and Bun’s out of the case. I did wonder why Jack told her this right after she found the body. I have a feeling that Jules has tried to help Jack in the past. Left Fur Dead is an upbeat cozy mystery with a dead mime, an inquisitive rabbit, a cunning killer, and a worried rabbit rescuer ready to hop to it to find the mime’s killer.

I really enjoyed this book. It was well-written and a quick-read. When my dog was alive, I talked to him all the time and though he never spoke back, like Bun, I knew he understood what I was saying. I think most pet owners feel that way.

The book starts out with a conversation between Jules and Bun, who is a rabbit, and I had to go back and reread the very beginning to make sure I wasn't crazy that, yes, the rabbit was talking LOL.

I had my suspicions about the murderer, but the how and why were very surprising. There were a lot of great characters in this book and I hope we get to see how they develop and if they will return in future books.

You should put this on your TBR pile soon!

4.6 stars.

I voluntarily reviewed this book on Netgalley.

This cozy mystery threw me off kilter. It did not follow the usual formula - meet the characters, find a dead body and then follow the clues to find the suspect.
No this one broke all the rules by starting off with finding the dead body before we even get a feel for our characters. The first chapter confused me - I actually had to read it again as I thought I had missed something or even accidentally started chapter 2!!

Juliette “Jules” Bridge and her rabbit Bun are out for a brisk morning walk when they find a body frozen in snow, and after calling the police and heading home once allowed she soon discovers that the man was a local Mime Artist called Arrty - this news brings out some odd commenting from Sheriff and Jules friend Jess who automatically assumed that she was going to investigate the man's death….. Why would they automatically think that? Has something happened before for them to even mention this?? I could see them saying something along those lines if this was say book 2 or something, but to be said right at the start of a new series, I just found that incredibly odd.

I did love the premise of the telepathic talking bunny rabbit - it put a new spin on things and made this story unique and stand out, though his narrative had a tendency to waffle and even at some point Jules was fed up with it!

Jules run a rabbit farm/sanctuary and not only does she have the murder on her mind, she is experiencing some break ins at the farm - wehn seh discovered a squatter living in a tent on her land, she immedaily rules him out and he agrees to help keep any eye on anything unuaul. When she changes the lock the break-ins stops, and she begins to relax a little.

There didn’t seem to be much investigating into Arty’s death, and the suspect pool was rather non-existent and when the killer of Arty and the break ins at the farm were finally revealed it totally threw me, there was no inclination that pointed to them in the slightest! Unless I missed somethig……

Overall I enjoyed the story, and it was a nice little cozy mysteries though feel the “mystery” could be doing with some tweaks.

An excellent start to a new series, I love the fact that one of the protagonists is a rabbit! It is certainly a change from the usual cats and dogs :D

Jules had a bad accident a few years back, her recuperation involved caring for rabbits and she subsequently decided to turn the family farm into a rabbit rescue and rehab centre. She is lucky that she has help in the form of a Veterinary Student (actually Jess is very nearly qualified) and a couple of school kids who are helping out in their final year before college. One of the rescue rabbits is known as Bun and he will never be leaving, partly because he can talk telepathically with Jules! and it is whilst out with Bun that Jules's life starts to go wrong again - by finding a dead body on her land.

Now she has the problem of that, someone is attacking her and trying to let the rabbits out into the wild, oh and she has a squatter camping on her land! Now Jules, Bun, Jess and Sheriff Jack need to figure out what is going on, why, and by whom before Bun and Jules find themselves crossing the Rainbow Bridge way too early.

Princess Fuzzypants here: I am fond of rabbits. My sister was a Lop so I admit to being won over by Bun, a highly articulate rabbit who communicates with her human Jules psychically. Jules runs a rabbit farm where she keeps rescued rabbits until they can be adopted by the best human companions. Bun is also very intuitive with heightened senses but at times he can revert to what he is- a rabbit. He travels with her in a sling and he has an insatiable curiosity. Perhaps he is part cat.
He loves to solve mysteries and when a local mime who performed at parties with Jules and the bunnies is murdered and they find the body, he talks Jules into investigating. It could prove to be very dangerous for both of them when several attacks are made on the farm. In fact, the prime suspect is a squatter who is camped on her land. Who is this guy and how does he connect to the murdered man? It is up to our dynamic duo to find the killer, that is if they are not killed first.
It’s an exciting story with great inter species communication. I did suspect the villain but not the reason behind it, There were plenty of secrets to keep the reader guessing. This is definitely a series that is worth continued reading. I give it four purrs and two paws up.

Synopsis:

On Fur Bridge Farm, Jules cares for rescued rabbits. But when a killer strikes, she'll need a rabbit to rescue her . . .

Juliette “Jules” Bridge prides herself on the tender rehabilitation she provides for injured or abused rabbits on her New Hampshire rescue farm, but she has a very special relationship with one bunny in particular. Bun is a black-and-white rabbit who happens to have the ability to communicate through mental telepathy. Once she got over the shock, Jules found her furry friend had a lot to say.

One frigid March morning on their walk together, Bun spots a body. The police identify the frozen stiff as Arthur Freeman, aka Arty the Mime. Jules and Arty knew each other on the children's party circuit, where he’d perform magic tricks and she had an educational rabbit petting pen. With Bun egging her on, Jules decides it’s time they hop to it and put their heads together to discover who silenced the mime. But their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole of more suspects and lies, while a killer sets a trap for them... (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters were well developed and well rounded. Jules is a hardworking smart woman who is very proud of Fur Bridge Farm. She loves animals and will do whatever it takes to keep the rabbits in her care safe and well cared for. I liked the premise of the story, I do not know of very many other cozy mysteries that center around bunnies. Bun, Jules telepathic talking bunny, was a very interesting character.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was at the farm, watching all of the action taking place. At times I felt like there was too much information and repetition. I did not need to keep reading about all of the barn chores and what the rabbits were eating. That is only my opinion and other readers may not agree.

The mystery was carried on well throughout the book. I was pretty sure who the culprit was about halfway through the book, but I did not know the why. I felt the reason for the murder was a little thin but again that is only my opinion.

For the first book in a series, I thought this book was good and the series has a lot of potential. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery and I will definitely read the next one.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

I usually enjoy books like this one. But I couldn't get into the book with a rabbit with special powers . Hopefully others liked it. I never heard of a talking rabbit before

On Fur Bridge Farm, Jules cares for rescued rabbits. But when a killer strikes, she'll need a rabbit to rescue her . . .

Juliette “Jules” Bridge prides herself on the tender rehabilitation she provides for injured or abused rabbits on her New Hampshire rescue farm, but she has a very special relationship with one bunny in particular. Bun is a black-and-white rabbit who happens to have the ability to communicate through mental telepathy. Once she got over the shock, Jules found her furry friend had a lot to say.

One frigid March morning on their walk together, Bun spots a body. The police identify the frozen stiff as Arthur Freeman, aka Arty the Mime. Jules and Arty knew each other on the children's party circuit, where he’d perform magic tricks and she had an educational rabbit petting pen. With Bun egging her on, Jules decides it’s time they hop to it and put their heads together to discover who silenced the mime. But their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole of more suspects and lies, while a killer sets a trap for them...

This is the first in a new series and what a way to start! I was on the edge of my seat while reading this cozy mystery.

What a nice charge from the usual cats and dogs one usually reads about in cozies. Not only is the 'sidekick' a rabbit, this rabbit can communicate telepathically with his human, Juliette (aka Jules) Bridge. Bun has been rescued from a not very nice family and begins to talk to Jules, she thinks she's imagining things. One day, while she out for a walk with Bun in a baby sling, his previous owner confronts Jules, asking if he had spoken to her. She said no but now it was clear that her rabbit could 'talk' to her and she wasn't the only one who had heard him. Once Jules accepts their relationship, she learns that Bun has much to say and is pretty good investigating crime.

On a winter walk, Bun spots a frozen hand reaching out of the tall grass by the lake and Jules checks it out. As things unfold, she finds out that the victim was somebody she knew but only as a local mime. Without his makeup, she had no idea who he was. Crossing paths during children's parties, they had some harsh words over rabbits and their care. Jules owns a rabbit rescue and works very hard to rehab her charges, placing them into furrever homes. Soon her business, Fur Bridge Farm becomes the target of harassment and, even though the police have told her to stay out of their
investigation, Jules, with the help of her employees, especially Jess, a veterinary student.

I read and enjoy a wide variety of mysteries but my first choice of sub-genre is always the cozy. This new series is now firmly on my must read list. I liked the characters, both human and rabbit and the mystery kept me engaged from page one. A satisfying puzzle, the expected twists and turns with a red herring or two and the added plus of the crime and corpse showing up within the first few pages. The last cozy I read didn't produce a a corpse until the halfway mark. For the majority of readers, sooner is much better than latter. Now that I have spent time with Bun and Jules, I am looking forward to reading their next mystery. I hope I don't have to wait too long.

My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Left Fur Dead by J. M. Griffin is the first book in the Jules & Bun Mystery series, and they are off to a good start. Juliette “Jules” Bridge runs a rabbit rescue farm in New Hampshire, and Bun is her rabbit who speaks to her through mental telepathy. While the two were walking one morning, Bun finds a body, Arty the Mime. Arty thought Jules was being cruel to the rabbits she keeps, for not letting them free. Arty and his group did not realizing they are sick and injured and need extra care and protection. When Jules becomes a suspect in his murder, Jules and Bun are on the case. A fun, cozy mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I recommend this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

I really enjoyed this mystery. Enjoyed the setting and the characters. Absolutely loved Bun....Thank you J.M. Griffin for this delightful mystery read. Look forward to reading more.