Bark If It’s Murder
Dog Club Mystery, Book #3
V. M. Burns
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Lilly Echosby just witnessed a murder on a pet cam. Or did she?

When a last-minute opportunity arises to accompany her boss to an art auction in Atlanta, Lilly throws some money at the problem of where to board her toy poodle Aggie (short for Agatha Christie). Posh Pet Haven offers the most luxurious canine accommodations in all of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The place even provides pet cams so anxious owners can check in on their pampered pooches.

But when Lilly tries to take a peek at her poodle, she gets a terrible shock—she witnesses what she’s sure is a murder. She thinks the victim may be the wealthy co-owner of Pet Haven. The police follow her lead but find no body, no evidence of a crime, and no video record. Starting to feel like the dog owner who cried wolf, Lilly decides to go undercover to catch a killer who may be hiding in plain sight … (Goodreads)

Review:

The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning and took me on a great adventure.

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Lilly and Dixie are two of my favorite friendships in all of cozy books that I read. You can tell how much they love each other and would do anything for each other. Some of their interactions had me laughing out loud. And all of the animals are just the icing on the cake for me.

The mystery was well plotted and had enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. There was enough intrigue to keep me engaged and the mystery was not easily solved. That’s my kind of mystery.

I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Do yourself a favor and grab this book, you will enjoy it.

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

I’m so happy author V.M. Burns decided she wanted to be a writer. Her books are fun and entertaining, and she has a good sense of what readers like.

In, BARK IF IT’S MURDER, Lilly and Aggie are back, and my time spent with them was just as wonderful as my other visits. Seriously, V.M. Burns has a way of making you feel you really are a part of the story.

What’s worse than finding a dead body? Watching someone become that dead body! This scene was well written, and, at least for me, jaw dropping. I really enjoyed that Ms. Burns let BARK IF IT’S MURDER get into the story a bit before getting to the murder, mystery, and mayhem begin.

A mystery with a surprising outcome, BARK IF IT’S MURDER is the perfect installment into the Dog Club Mysteries. Once you’ve read it, you’ll be begging for more!

I just love this series and even though it might sound corny to say that each book is even better than the last, it's true. Lilly and her friend Dixie are two people who I would absolutely enjoy having as friends. Either one of them would do anything for their family or friends, and as Lilly always shows when she investigates, she likes to help even those people that she doesn't know well. I liked the new character of BJ too, she was such fun and what a hoot! A great addition to the dog club! I laughed so much in the very beginning of the book when Lilly and her dog club were volunteering at a dog show and got put on pooper scooper detail. Their reactions and the descriptions were so funny! A good non-mystery side story was about Lilly's co-worker Jacob being home with a broken ankle and being coddled to death by his mom. He really wanted out of there lol.

This was a great mystery with a nice twist to it that as always, Lilly figured out. I didn't really know the whole story until Lilly put it together, but all along there were some things I had doubts about. I like the good place where Lilly and Red are in their relationship. He might even end up with a new canine friend. I'll be anxiously waiting for the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher through NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Bark If It’s Murder is a charming addition to the Dog Club mystery series by V. M. Burns. At the start of this third installment, Lilly Echosby is settling into her Tennessee surroundings and her new accounting job at a local art museum. When Lilly is called upon to accompany her boss on an unexpected business trip, she boards Aggie, her miniature poodle, at Pet Haven, a decidedly upscale facility, complete with multiple cameras that allow owners to look in on pets (and the facility) remotely. Lilly is doing just that when she witnesses what appears to be a murder in the outdoor kennel run. However, by the time police arrive to investigate, they find no evidence of any such crime. Lilly, then, must solve the mystery in order to convince the police, her TBI boyfriend Red, and even herself, that she is not crazy.

Bark If It’s Murder contains everything positive about a cozy mystery. The characters are filled with charm (much of it Southern) and a bit of sass. Lilly is strong, realistic, and relatable. Her best friend, Dixie is loyal and a hoot. While other books have focused on Lilly’s daughter, Stephanie, here, her son, David, is featured and plays a pivotal role in the story. Also onboard for the ride is Stephanie’s boyfriend Joe and his canine partner, Turbo. And Lilly’s developing relationship with Red is both sweet and natural.

The settings here are fresh and fun. Through Lilly, we get to explore the inner workings of a dog show, visit the amenities of Pet Haven, and participate in the world of art auctions. Even the accounting bits are interesting! The mystery, too, is engaging, replete with several twists and unexpected turns, as well as more than a touch of humor. While I began to suspect the outcome about halfway through the book, the “how” and the “why” kept me guessing throughout.

Bark If It’s Murder, like the previous two books in the series, is a winner. I’m looking forward to finding out what adventures V. M. Burns is cooking up for Lilly and Aggie in the next installment.

Bark If It's Murder by V. M. Burns is the 3rd book in the Dog Club Mystery, and another wonderful addition. I have enjoyed this author's Mystery Bookshop series, and the other books in Dog Club Mystery series. Ms. Burns is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Lilly Echosby move to Florida after her husband left her. Lilly's has a toy poodle is named Agatha Christie, and she can be a handful. Good thing Lilly best friend, Dixie, trains dogs. Lilly has an opportunity to go to an art action in Atlanta, so she boards Lilly at Posh Pet Haven, very luxurious. While watching Aggie on a camfrom her hotel room, she sees at women killed at the Pet Haven. When police show up, there is no indication of a murder. There is so much going on in this book, between her friends, her work place, her boyfriend, and the murder, you just can't be bored by this book. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy and fun mysteries, I strongly recommend this book/ and the series. 

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

Lilly Ann Echosby is still trying to settle into life in Chattanooga with her beloved poodle Aggie in book three of Burns's Dog Club cozy mystery series. Still residing in a hotel room, Lilly's finally found a home she wants and puts in an offer, just in time to be invited by her museum-owner boss as a last-minute replacement on a buying trip to Atlanta. With no wish to burden her best friend Dixie, and her boyfriend Red busy with work, Lilly warily decides to board Aggie at Pet Haven - a lush spa and boarding home-away-from-home for canines - after meeting married owners Kerri Lynn and Dallas Simpson at a dog show. Pet Haven is dog luxury at its finest, the prices reflecting it, and upon learning that part of the benefits are that Lilly can check on Aggie anytime via a "pet cam," from the road or her hotel, Lilly signs her beloved fur baby up, leaving town with only slight reservations ... until from the comfort of her hotel room in Atlanta, during a storm, when she's checking on Aggie via her laptop. All is well with her little one, but when the cameras go wonky Lilly's point of view is shifted to a different camera - just in time for her to see a blond woman in rain gear strangled on-camera, before the power in her room goes out and the screen goes black. The rest of this short, tightly-plotted mystery revolves around whether or not Lilly Ann actually saw a murder committed, or even if she did, is she accurate in who both victim or even killer are? Every one from her best friend Dixie to her friends at dog training class to her son David, boyfriend Red, and daughter's boyfriend, K-9 officer Joe - currently in town on business - is on hand to lend their expertise/help, but as Lilly continues to question both herself and those suspected, Bark If It's Murder follows a very straightforward, linear course to a satisfying resolution ... and even manages to throw a surprise or two in, at the end. A short, to-the-point plotline moves things swiftly, and in Lilly Ann V.M. Burns has created an engaging, kindhearted, passionate woman who puts those she loves ahead of her - and doing what's right above all else. I look forward to reading more of her! 3.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

When Lilly Echosby guess out of town for work, she decides to leave her beloved dog, Aggie, at a boutique doggy day care. While checking in on Aggie, via the day care's doggy cam, Lilly witnesses a murder. Or does she?

When the police arrive to check things out, the find no evidence of a crime. Lilly's not sure what's going on...butt she's determined to find the truth.

I loved this book! Lilly, her dog, Aggie, and all the characters are fun and multi-dimensional. The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing until the end. I definitely recommend this book and the whole series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or remuneration.

Lilly witnessed a murder when watching the camera feed from her dog's day care. However, when authorities showed up there was no body or sign of murder. Did Lilly see what she thought or was it what I thought? This is one of those stories were I was driven to find out what happened and stayed up way too late to finish the book. The plot was well written with just enough questions to keep me guessing. I also enjoyed the cast of characters who seemed like people you could meet in the real world.

This is a great book for dog lovers but you do not need to love dogs to enjoy the story. Thanks to NetGalley and Lyrical Underground for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

From the first book in this series I have loved this series. Three books (so far) and every single one is a winner. Full disclosure - I grew up with poodles and I adore them. So that was the hook that got my attention right out of the gate. The humans are winners, too. Lilly and her BFF Dixie are very well developed and are women I would like to know. Lilly has a sweet toy poodle named Aggie and Dixie trains standard poodles. Now Lilly is in the process of buying a house in Chattanooga, TN, starting a new life chapter after the death of her no good husband in book one and making her first move in book two. She is putting down roots and works part time as a CPA for a local museum. She even has some romance in her new life. Life is good if she can just stop getting involved with homicides.
Lilly's boss asks her to travel with her to Atlanta and Lilly decides to board Aggie at a posh doggie spa. She gets more than she bargained for when she decides to look in on her pup via the puppy webcam offered to all human parents of the boarded pups. When she does, she is certain she has witnessed the murder, on camera, of one of the spa owners at the hands of her husband. Not one to just sit there and wonder, Lilly contacts her boyfriend who works for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Upon further investigating there is no body and the co-owner of the spa says his wife is fine and out of town. Nothing to worry about. So no body and no identity of the murdered woman. No way will that stop Lilly and Dixie from snooping.
This entry can easily be read as a stand alone but I would encourage anyone new to this series to line up all three and binge read them. They are that good, full of twists, turns and enough red herrings to have you guessing wrong as to who done it. I'm ready for book #4.

Bark If It's Murder is Book 3 in the Dog Club Mystery Series. I LOVE this series! This is a stand alone, but I think you will have more reading enjoyment if you read them all.

I love Lilly and Aggie. I totally loved the plot. Witnessing a murder through a pet cam! I just got a pet cam for my kitties and this was a clever and creative plot.

I love the characters and the mystery was great. I had no clue who had done it.

The author has a fantastic ability for bringing the page to life. I will look forward to the next book in this fun Dog Club Series!

Bark If It’s Murder is the third book in V. M. Burns’ A Dog Club Mystery series. The storyline is well-plotted, and the well-developed characters are affable. The story flows at a steady pace, with humorous moments and an interesting mystery with enough twists and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing.

Deciding to make a fresh start after the death of her husband, Albert, Lilly Ann Echosby and her toy poodle, Aggie, moved from Lighthouse Dunes, Indiana to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where her best friend since college, Scarlett “Dixie” Jefferson, a dog trainer and dog show judge, lives with her husband, Beau, and two champion standard poodles. Lilly has two adult children, Stephanie, a lawyer in Chicago who is dating Joe Harrison, a K-9 handler, and David, an actor who has been on tour in Europe but has made a surprise visit home. Lilly’s been staying in an extended-stay hotel, but finally found a house that met all her criteria and is renting it until her mortgage is approved. Lilly has been spending time with Dennis “Red” Olson, a Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Officer. Lilly works in a temporary accounting position at the Chattanooga Museum of Art and has finally unraveled the mess the previous financial manager created. Linda Kay Weyman, the executive director museum invites Lilly to attend an art auction with her in Atlanta after her assistant, Jacob Flemings, hurts his foot. Lilly leaves Aggie in the care of a posh doggie spa, Pet Haven Pet Resort and Doggie Day Care, owned by Keri Lynn and Dallas Simpson, while she’s out of town. The doggy spa has a live video cam she can access to watch Aggie, and while doing so, she is convinced she saw Dallas murder his wife. Dallas insists that Keri Lynn is still alive and that she’s away on a family emergency. With no body found, photographic evidence she’s alive, and the video lost during a storm, the police doubt a murder occurred, so Lilly and her friends investigate on their own.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I loved this book. Yhe characters are so well written and the storyline really flowed.
I would recommnd this book and this author. I have read a couple of her books now and am not disappointed.
I would recommend this book.

Lilly was thrilled to be able to watch how her beloved poodle Aggie is doing at the kennel where she's boarded her but she never expected to see a murder on the webcam! AND then, no one believes her because there's no body and no evidence? What the heck happened? Aggie's safe (most importantly) but Lilly isn't happy about what happened and it's nagging at her. Of course, she must investigate! This is a nice series, with a mature heroine and we meet her son David this time out. Dixie, her best friend, is a hoot and the sort of person you want beside you. This is a topical mystery because it will make you wonder what else has turned up on webcams like this. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A delightful read with good characters and a nice story line.

Cozy Murder Mystery at the Dog Spa
This was an exciting book to read. I have not yet read other books in this series, but will now! This story has a great murder mystery and lots of cool dogs. The characters are great and totally believable. While there was no great 'reveal' as to the culprit, the journey was very entertaining. I have read other books by this author and have never been disappointed. She is on my list of authors whose books I will never pass up. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Kensington Books in return for an honest review. V.M. Burns writes a unique and well-crafted tale of a murder witnessed on a pet-cam, or was it?

Lilly Echosby has the chance, unusual for a part-time employee, to go with her boss on an overnight trip to a major art auction in Atlanta. While Atlanta is only a few hours drive from Chattanooga, Lilly knows she can't bring her toy poodle, Aggie, with her. Recently introduced to a very, very high end pet boutique and hotel, Lilly takes a deep breath and registers Aggie for pampering while Lilly is away. Watching Aggie on the pet-cam, it 'hiccups' and Lilly sees a woman strangled. Certain it's the owner of the pet hotel, Lilly calls her significant other and local policeman, Red, to check things out. But, there's no body and nothing to indicate a crime has occurred. Even though she has doubts and second-guesses herself on what she saw or didn't see, Lilly decides to pursue the person she thinks is responsible for the murder.

This is a modern compliment to Agatha Christie's 'What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw' and does it justice, while still bringing nice, modern touches to the story. This isn't the first in this series but easily read as a stand-alone (my first one by this author).

Dog Club Mystery #2

Lilly Echosby and her baby, toy poodle Aggie, are settling down and maybe even buying a house in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She loves working as a CPA at a small museum.

Helping out a friend at the dog show Lilly meets the owner of Posh Pet Haven. 
This upscale puppy boarding and daycare with better amenities than Lilly's hotel!
When she is invited by her boss at the last minute to attend an art auction in Atlanta, she jumps at the chance. And she has the perfect place to leave her baby, Aggie. With puppy cams in all rooms, she can check in on her baby anytime.

The first night she pulls up the feed and watches as a man strangles a woman in the outdoor area. Only when the police arrive there is not a body to be found.

Is Lilly seeing things? And where is the lovely owner of the posh pet hotel? Although the police don't see a crime, Lilly does and with the help of her friends, she is diving headfirst into this mystery!

These are such fun and smart characters! I can not wait to find out what happens next with Lilly and Aggie.

NetGalley/August 27th, 2019 by Lyrical Press

Another great addiction to this series even it's not the best instalment.
It's a fast and fun read, full of twists and turns.
I read it in one setting and turned pages as fast as I could.
It's was great to meet again the old and new characters, they're likeable and fleshed out.
The plot is engrossing and entertaining, full of twists and turns.
The mystery kept me guessing and the solution came as a surprise.
I'm a fan of Ms Burn and look forward to reading the next book in her series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

"Bark If It's Murder' continues the excellent tradition in the A Dog Club Mystery series by V.M. Burns with it's excellent mystery, laugh out loud humor and lovely relationships. Lilly is a relatable character who has shown growth and the supporting cast of characters are delightful. There were so many twists and I completely guessed wrong, which made it all the more enjoyable. I eagerly look forward to more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This third book in the series is by far my favourite!
A first rate mystery that kept me entertained and guessing (incorrectly!). The story was well written and engaging from start to finish.
The characters are really enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of the book.

Bark if It’s Murder is the 3rd installment in the Dog Club Mystery series. Lily Echo has been persuaded by her friend Dixie to volunteer at a local dog show where she is a judge. The volunteer work is basically cleaning crew but she does get to walk i and is introduced to the owners of a posh doggie day and night care called Pet Haven. Lily has the opportunity to go out of town for work to an art auction but must find a place for her pet Aggie (nicknamed for Agatha Christie) so she decides to place Aggie at Pet Haven. She is given a tour and the plus is that she can monitor Aggie thru the Pet Haven website as there are cameras watching the dogs and facility. When Lily decides to check in on Aggie there is a switch in camera’s and she witnesses a murder. When she reaches out to the police who investigate they find no body. With no one believing a crime has been committed Lily has to do the investigation herself. Good cast of characters around Lily and she is really growing in her job. Enjoying this series and looking forward to the next one.