Thank you to NetGalley and Lyrical Press for the review copy of this book. I was interested in this book because of another book I have read by this author. I also found the set-up intriguing. Newly retired English teacher, Gwen, gets roped into a pet valet service by her best friend, Nora, who is as close to a sister as Gwen will have. Joining them is Gwen’s former student Brent. Shortly after creating their business, Gwen and Nora return to Nora’s apartment to find her snooty neighbor dead on the kitchen floor.

Gwen and Nora soon find themselves entrenched in a murder investigation, mistaken identity, and good old fashioned family drama.

I found this novel very entertaining. It is nice and short, and the pet situations these two ladies find themselves in are quite humorous. My only complaint with this cozy mystery is that the murder is solved quite quickly at the end of the book. However, I barely noticed that was happening because I was so entertained by the animal high jinx. Animal lovers will love this book! I would give it a solid 4 1/2 stars!

Doggone Dead is the first book in a new cozy mystery series featuring best friends, and ladies of a certain age, Nora and Gwen.

You have to love a cozy mystery that gets to the point quickly. In chapter one, we meet Gwen trying to sleep late on her first day of retirement from her job teaching English to high schoolers. Next, we meet her best friend, Nora, who is well off after a series of marriages—and divorces. Nora previously started a business pet walking. She wants Gwen to become her partner in the newly renamed Two Sisters Pet Valet Services. After working her apartment building and the park across the street, Nora and Gwen have four new clients. When they return to Nora’s apartment, tired but happy, they find Nora’s hated neighbor, Linda, dead in the kitchen with a large knife protruding from her chest.

When Nora receives an anonymous letter accusing her of being a gold digger, she immediately suspects her ex-husbands and her step-children. And there are a lot of both.

Doggone Dead has retirement, friendship, cute fuzzy dogs, and one cantankerous parrot. It is a fun read. 3 stars.

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Doggone Dead by Dane McCaslin is the 1st book in The 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries series, and a delightful start. My favorite cozy mysteries are this ones that make me laugh, and this one sure did the trick. I enjoy the two main characters, 2 sisters, are in their 50's, one a retired high school teacher, the other one is rich, and they have been best friends for years. I found this book to be fast-paced, I read it in one day. The characters are quirky and fun. I highly recommend this book, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book, for a perfect escape that lifts your spirits.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

DOGGONE DEAD is the first book in the 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mystery series! We meet Gwen Franklin, a recently retired teacher who gets roped into opening a business with her BFF Nora Goldstein. While planning their business, Nora’s nemesis winds up dead in Nora’s kitchen. Of course, the two besties try to find the murderer, but not without help.

This cozy felt very uncozy-like sometimes. Most cozies center around the business/theme and such, but this one not so much. The two main characters start a pet business, but neither want to actually pick up after the animals? Very weird.

I enjoyed many of the characters, most of them coming off as amusing and interesting. I also really liked the friendship between Gwen and Nora, and I liked their personalities too. They’re very different from each other, but their differences bring them together. They did sort of come off as bullies to me sometimes when they made fun of poor Brent. I mean making fun of someone once is okay, but over three times just makes you look bad. Brent really stole the show for me! He’s such a sweetheart and definitely my favorite character!

The mystery itself was very good! It flowed very well, and the pacing was great. It was predictable at times, but the ending was very satisfying. I enjoyed it.

Overall, this book does have its flaws, but it’s still a solid read. I’ll be reading the next book in the series.

Gwen Franklin had just retired from her life as a high school teacher and was looking forward to sleeping in, drinking coffee and reading her Agatha Christie mysteries. But her best friend Nora Goldstein had other ideas – a pet walking business was the way to go. It didn’t matter that Gwen was allergic to animals, or Nora’s stiletto heels weren’t designed for walking. But when their neighbour, Linda Fletcher, was discovered murdered in Nora’s kitchen, and the police took Nora in for questioning, Gwen knew it was up to her to find the killer.

I’m sorry to say that Doggone Dead was terrible! Two ditzy women who did nothing but rant and rave about everything and nothing; ex-husbands (all Nora’s), step-children who were intimidated by Nora – I could go on! It took me days to read, I skimmed a lot, made it to the end but nothing about the writing or the characters had changed! I apologise to the author, Dane McCaslin but cannot recommend and won’t be reading any more in the series.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Pet Walkers and Mystery Solvers
This is the 'first in series' book of a new, very fun cozy mystery series. The story takes place in Portland. Two life-long retirement age friends start a pet walking business and wind-up in the middle of murder investigations. It is very funny and witty. Besides the client dogs, they end up adopting homeless dogs. It is a cute story that is quite the page-turner. I can't wait to read the next book. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Gwen's just retired from teaching and her friend Nora ropes her into working with her in a new pet sitting and walking service. Here's the thing- Gwen's allergic to dander and neither one of them wants to pick up after the dogs. That's solved, sort of, when they hire Brent to do the actual work. Then Linda is found dead on the floor of Nora's apartment with a knife in her chest. Of course, Nora's going to be a suspect but there's more than one person who didn't like Linda so Gwen works the case . It's always tough to judge the first installment in a new series but I'll be honest- this one would have benefited from a little more polishing. Nora's a pain, the business doesn't make sense under the circumstances, and there are plot holes. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Here's hoping there's another better cozy coming.

Was anyone else bothered by the way former teacher, Gwen Franklin, is portrayed as someone who makes fun of a former student behind his back and also to his face? I can't say I liked this character; although, I would have if not for that. Her best friend and current business partner, Mora Goldstein comes across as very controlling, and a bit annoying too.

This was a did-not-finish book for me because of all the snarky comments.

First by this Author. I enjoyed the interaction between Gwen and Nora. Gwen and Nora solve this mystery while trying to start a pet walking business.

1 star
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series. i just couldn't finish this book as it's awful. I enjoyed newly retired Gwen but holy buckets Nora ia annoying. Just a word of advice, when writing a series at least let your nain characters have sone redeeming qualities.

If ever there was a cozy mystery that's perfect for beach or fireside reading, this may be it. There's nothing really bloody, gory or politically sensitive here, the characters are mostly likable (more on that later) but yes, there's a murder. It's short enough that motivated readers, bolstered with a couple of gin-and-tonics or hot chocolate depending on the season, should be able to polish it off in one sitting. And if you like it, good news: It's the first in a series.

As for me, I can't say I absolutely loved it; if I'm limited to a one-word description, I'd choose "cute." Even though a murder is involved, there's very little police interaction or meaningful investigation on the part of the main characters, and not once was I on the edge of my seat. My primary attraction is that one of the two leads, Gwen Franklin, just retired as an English teacher. Since I'm married to one of those, a 33-year veteran, and our daughter is less than a handful of years away from retirement and our granddaughter will be starting her first year this fall (in what manner remains to be seen because of the COVID-19 pandemic) I figured I could identify.

Gwen is an interesting, down-to-earth person, although she talks way too much about what I'll call her "classroom demeanor," leading me to believe she probably wasn't truly fed up enough to retire. But she's also got a long-time bestie named Nora Goldstein, who earned most of her extensive wealth by divorcing several husbands (and is constantly on the lookout for the next one). Even though her "good heart" is emphasized many times, the bottom line is that Nora is loud, obnoxious and irritating. Her Spandex outfits and stilettos reminded me way too much of Lulu, the office assistant in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series - which, I should note, I stopped reading after 22 books mostly because of Lulu's outrageously silly behavior.

As the story begins, Nora is conjuring up a dog-walking-sitting business, and she's decided that pal Gwen should (no, make that WILL) be her partner. It'll be called Two Sisters Pet Valet Services, she decrees, and Gwen decides not to rock the boat even though she's highly allergic to dog and cat dander - another reason I can relate to her. Quickly, they decide they'll need a helper if they're to avoid the dirty clean-up work; enter Brent, one of Gwen's former students, who can best be described as an amusing dolt. As bad luck would have it, when they return to Nora's ritzy apartment for the perfectly brewed coffee that readers are reminded often is a must among residents of Portland, Oregon, they find a dead woman on the otherwise pristine kitchen floor. Turns out she and Nora have a long-running feud, so of course Gwen wants to make sure Nora doesn't become a serious suspect. On the other hand, the woman was in the apartment uninvited - so how do they know the killer didn't mistake her for Nora?

The story moves along well in spite of Nora's overbearing nature and penchant for any man who gets within 10 feet of her; it is Gwen who notices most of the "clues" and follows up in her best Agatha Christie-loving fashion. All told, it sets the stage well for the next book in the series, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

A new cozy mystery series with Nora and Gwen. Struggled a bit with this one, as I found Nora a bit abrasive. Interesting enough to see to the end. Would recommend.

This book wasn't for me. I didn't care for the wealthy (via numerous marriages) character (Nora) who is basically a bully. The MC is a newly retired teacher (Gwen) and is her best friend that is allergic to animals, so the side character decides it would be great if they started a pet sitting/walking business for more money. Nora then decides they need to get a former student of Gwen's to help out (as they don't want to do the clean up on dog walks). I got the feeling he was in his 20's. There is a least one scene near the beginning of the book, where Gwen tells an improbable story to him and he believes it, thus pointing out how dumb he is. Making me think both characters are bullies.

I ended up skipping these types of scenes so wasn't able to get much out of it. I was hoping for so much more from this. A cozy with seniors as the main characters is always needed.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Not interesting to me. What may have made it better would be the publisher stepchilren angle. More showing up without Nora knowing why. Instead the murders are boring and Gwen doesn't act like a retired teacher
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review

Doggone Dead is a doggone good cozy mystery. Good plot and quirky characters. Well written. Fans of mysteries will enjoy this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

This was a well-constructed whodunit with a comfortable tone making it easy to follow along with what the author intended. The staging was nicely done where there were a bevy of suspects with stronger motives and clues buried in all the nooks and crannies uncovered. The author is adept at telling a story pulling me in and creating an atmosphere that made me feel like I was part of the action, as they looked for clues while displaying a few humorous moments. It was enjoyable watching this all play out as one by one, the pool of suspect shrunk and the only person left standing was. . . the killer. I like the portrayals of all the characters showing a few idiosyncrasies and quirkiness that added to my reading pleasure.

Gwen Franklin, retired high school teacher and Nora Goldstein her long-time best friend who is well versed in the art of getting a husband and wearing stilettos, begin second careers as pet sitters and amateur sleuths. Problem is someone murdered Nora's next door neighbor and the ladies aren't sure if she was really the target. It will take a former high school student of Gwen's, a smitten would be private detective, assorted family members and two dogs - Aggie (named after Agatha Christie) and Herc (Hercule Poirot) to solve the mystery!

I loved this book! I enjoy cozies with older characters who are full of life and energy. Gwen and Nora are the perfect sleuthing team - they're funny, irreverent, independent and smart. Other characters like Marcus the would be suitor, Brent the former school student who drives an Uber like a weapon and is their chief dog walker are hilarious and sweet. The mystery was wonderfully written and it was a perfect introduction to a group of sleuths I loved!

I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first in a new series. Gwen Franklin is newly retired from her high school teaching job when her best friend Nora Goldstein calls her as she wants to start a new pet sitting and dog walking business. Gwen reminds Nora she is allergic to pets and that after they she agrees to Nora’s new business venture and they agree to hire a former student of Gwen’s, Brent to do the dirty work of walking the dogs and picking up their messes. Once they arrive back at Nora’s apartment to find the dead body of Nora’s neighbor Linda Fletcher. Nora wants to investigate and brings in a down on his luck detective Marcus who she is flirting with. One thing that did not make sense to me in this is that Nora is like a sister to Gwen, however, she did not seem to know much about Nora’s many marriages and step children who keep showing up. There is a message left for both Nora and Gwen indicating that Nora was the target but you never see the police follow up on that with Nora. The duo are a little zany especially Nora and Gwen acts a little old even though mid 50’s. I like their relationship and I think Brent is a nice counter to them. I did figure out who it was but I was still able to enjoy the story and the ending and resolution was thrilling. This series has promise.

Doggone Dead is the debut of The 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries series set in Portland and featuring best friends, Gwen Franklin and Nora Goldstein. Gwen has recently retired from her job as a high school teacher and Nora is between husbands and bored. Nora comes up with the idea for the two ladies to start a pet sitting service, but sadly neither have pets or any experience, not to mention that Gwen is highly allergic to pet dander.

Quickly realizing that they don't want to have to clean up the poop left by their charges they enlist the help of one of Gwen's former students - Brent Mayfair, a part time Uber driver. When Nora's nemesis and fellow building tenant, Linda Fletcher is found stabbed to death in Nora's kitchen the ladies and Brent team up to track down the killer.

A casual, rainy day read. Although there are a few laugh out loud moments and the mystery has potential there is something lacking. It's a little baffling that although the two ladies are supposed life long best friends, Gwen doesn't seem to have known any of Nora's past husbands or any of the spouse's children who keep arriving at Nora's door. The two actually spend very little time with the animals they are hired to watch, instead leaving all of the work up to Brent. And, the way the women interact with Brent sometimes appears mocking. The book ends up on a positive note with one of the women adopting a pet of her own and the other seeming to have a new romantic interest, so I will give the next installment in the series a try.

I received an advanced copy of Doggone Dead from NetGalley via Lyrical Press. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

Doggone Dead by Dane McCaslin is a new cozy mystery series that I hoped would be engaging and entice me to become a member of this new community.

Gwen and Nora have been best friends for years and now that Gwen is retired from teaching Nora has decided to begin a pet sitting business with Gwen's help. I didn't feel connected to Gwen or Nora and I definitely didn't understand why they would open a business together when neither one of them wanted to clean up after the pets. The mystery was smoothly paced, the suspects are numerous and there was some humor in the interactions with the characters. My disconnect with the characters throughout the story made this story just a so-so book for me.

3.5 stars